Last updated: May 3, 2025
In La Blanca, Guatemala, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain overall skin health, especially in a region known for its tropical climate and high sun exposure. With peak UV Index readings soaring to 14 during midday, residents and visitors alike face significant risks of overexposure. By staying informed about the UV index and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the sunny beauty of La Blanca while safeguarding your skin from its dangers.
As the day begins, the UV Index starts off low at 1 around 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 3 by 8:00 AM. The sun gains strength, and by 9:00 AM, the index reaches 6, signaling the need for sun protection. The peak intensity occurs between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, with a high of 14, indicating it’s crucial to shield your skin from harmful rays. The intensity starts to wane post-noon, dropping to 10 by 2:00 PM, and continuing to decline throughout the afternoon, falling back to 1 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV exposure becomes minimal, with the index dropping to 0 by 7:00 PM. Stay aware of how the UV levels fluctuate throughout the day to enjoy the sun safely!
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | 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 |
During the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest UV Index recorded from March to October. These months fall within the extreme category, peaking at 14 in April and May, and maintaining a level of 13 from June through September. This indicates a high-risk period for skin damage, with a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. In contrast, January, November, and December see a reduction in UV levels, categorized as very high, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially from March to October, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to reduce the risk of UV-related injuries.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Blanca | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 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 |