Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Nuevo Progreso, Guatemala, where the tropical climate brings significant sun exposure year-round. With UV levels peaking during midday hours, reaching a maximum of 14 around noon, it's essential to protect your skin from sunburn and long-term health risks. As you enjoy the region's beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, being aware of these UV readings can help guard against harmful effects, keeping your skin healthy and safe under the Guatemalan sun. Remember, just a few minutes of unprotected exposure during high UV times can lead to damage, so stay informed and take proactive steps for sun safety!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 by 07:00, but quickly escalates as the day progresses. By 09:00, it reaches 7, signaling the need for protection. 10:00 marks the peak at an intense 10, followed closely by a striking 13 at 11:00. The UV rays hit their highest point at 12:00 with a staggering 14, urging everyone to take caution. The intensity begins to taper off in the early afternoon, dropping to 10 by 14:00, and easing further to 7 at 15:00. As the day wanes, the UV Index dips to 3 by 16:00, and then back to a safe 1 at 17:00 and 18:00, wrapping up as the sun sets with a 0 at 19:00. It's a clear reminder that when outdoors, sun safety is paramount during the midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 7 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuevo Progreso | 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 |