Last updated: August 1, 2025
In El Tumbador, Guatemala, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels helps you take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a tropical climate that sees high UV exposure—especially during midday hours when the index can soar above 12—being informed about UV risks can make all the difference. From 09:00 to 15:00, when UV levels peak, it’s essential to plan outdoor activities wisely and use sun protection to enjoy the beautiful Guatemalan sun safely.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
El Tumbador | 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 |