Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Cruz del Quiché, Guatemala is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's climate classified as Cwb, residents and visitors face varying UV exposure risks throughout the day. As UV levels can soar to a maximum of 15 during midday hours, awareness and preparedness become essential in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy Santa Cruz's beautiful landscapes while safeguarding your skin from the sun's harmful rays, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable experience under the Guatemalan sun.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a striking rise and fall in sunlight intensity. Starting from a modest 1 at 07:00, the index escalates dramatically, peaking at a scorching 15 around 12:00. This is the time to be extra cautious, with skin damage potential at its highest. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, returning to a more manageable 4 by 16:00 and settling at 0 by the time the sun begins to set at 19:00. Remember, the midday sun is the most intense—protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index data indicates a consistent period of extreme UV exposure from January through October, with values peaking at 16 in April. Notably, high-risk months for skin damage are from February to May, corresponding with some of the highest UV readings. In these months, individuals should be particularly cautious, as the burn time is only 10 minutes across all cases during this time. As the summer months progress, while the UV Index remains elevated, there is a slight decrease, with August to October recording values between 14 and 15. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take proactive measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to mitigate the risks associated with these extreme UV levels. As December approaches, while the UV Index decreases slightly to 10, the burn time increases to 15 minutes, indicating a marginally lower risk but still necessitating sun protection practices.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petapa UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Villa Nueva UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Mixco UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Guatemala City UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| San Juan Sacatepequez UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Santa Cruz del Quiche | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |