Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Pajapita, Guatemala, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for both residents and visitors alike. Understanding the UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. Given the town's tropical climate, it’s imperative to know the typical sun exposure risks, especially when UV Index levels can peak as high as 14 around midday. By staying informed, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoors while protecting yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pajapita | 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 |