Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zacualpa, Guatemala, where the sunny climate can lead to significant ultraviolet exposure. With high UV levels peaking at an intense 15 between noon and 1 PM, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. In this region's mild climate, the risk of skin damage increases dramatically during the day, making it vital to stay informed about UV levels to enjoy the outdoors safely. Whether you’re hiking the lush hills or enjoying a leisurely afternoon, knowing how to protect your skin ensures that your time in Zacualpa is both fun and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 4, signaling the start of a sunnier day. The real intensity kicks in at 9:00 AM, where it skyrockets to 7, and by 10:00 AM, it hits a powerful 11. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM with a staggering 15, emphasizing the need for sun protection during these critical midday hours. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 11 by 2:00 PM, and further down to 4 by 4:00 PM. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV Index dwindles to 1 at 5:00 PM, before fading to 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s a vibrant reminder of the sun's powerful rays, urging us to stay vigilant and protect our skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | 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 | 1 | 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 |
| Zacualpa | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |