Last updated: May 3, 2025
In San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Guatemala, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining overall skin health. Situated in a temperate climate zone (Cwb), this region experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the UV Index peaks at a striking 14. By staying informed about daily UV levels, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful sunshine safely while reducing their risk of skin damage.
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise in solar intensity, starting with a moderate level of 2 at 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the intensity peaks at a staggering 14 by noon, marking the most hazardous time for sun exposure. It reaches a maximum of 13 at 1:00 PM, emphasizing the need for protective measures like sunscreen and hats. The afternoon sees a swift decline, dropping to 10 by 2:00 PM and further down to 6 at 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index dips to 1 by 5:00 PM, offering some relief, before finally settling at 0 after 7:00 PM. For those planning their day, early morning and late evening provide a safer window for outdoor activities, while midday requires caution to avoid overexposure.
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant variability throughout the year, peaking from February to July, where it reaches extreme levels of 12 to 14 with a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes. March sees the highest index at 14, closely followed by April, May, and June. As summer fades into autumn, slight decreases are noted, with August and September at 13, followed by October at 12. The risk remains high through November and December, although the indices drop to 10 and 9 respectively, resulting in slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, especially during peak months by utilizing broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure. Always remain vigilant, even in winter months, as UV radiation can still pose a significant threat.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio Aguas Calientes | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| 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 |