Last updated: August 1, 2025
In the enchanting town of Catarina, Guatemala, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin while basking in the sun's beauty. With the sun reaching its peak intensity often around noon, understanding the UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn, promoting long-term skin health. The local climate, characterized by its warm temperature and high elevation, can lead to increased UV exposure risks throughout the year. Embrace the vibrant surroundings while staying informed, so you can enjoy all that Catarina has to offer without compromising your well-being.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it jumps to 3, a signal to enjoy some morning sun responsibly. The real intensity kicks in at 9:00 AM, peaking at 12:00 PM with a blistering 13—a reminder to seek shade and slather on that sunscreen! After the midday heat, the index begins to decline, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and down to 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, the day winds down at 6:00 PM with a UV index of 1, wrapping up the daylight hours with minimal UV exposure. Stay sun-safe and keep that SPF handy during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | 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 seasonal fluctuations, peaking from February to September with consistently high levels categorized as extreme. During these months, the UV Index reaches up to 14, with a burn time of just 10 minutes, making it essential for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures, such as applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. January and November show a slight decrease, with a very high UV Index of 10, allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, even in December and October, the UV Index remains considerable at 9 and 12, respectively. To ensure safety, it is advisable to limit sun exposure during the high-risk months of February through October, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV radiation is at its strongest.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Catarina | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 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 |