Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Rafael Pie de la Cuesta, Guatemala, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. This coastal town experiences a tropical savanna climate, with intense sunlight that can lead to significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours. Knowing the UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to take appropriate precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially when UV readings soar to as high as 15 around noon. Stay informed and protect yourself from potential harm by being aware of the UV Index – your skin will thank you!
The UV Index reveals a dramatic rise in solar intensity throughout the morning, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00. As the day progresses, the index climbs steeply, peaking at an intense 15 by noon, exposing the midday sun's powerful rays. This peak is followed by a slight decline, with values dropping to 11 at 14:00, then tapering off to 7 by 15:00. As evening sets in, the index weakens, falling back to 1 by 17:00 and eventually reaching 0 by 19:00, signaling a conclusion to the sun's harmful effects. Be sure to protect yourself during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index in this region exhibits significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months predominantly from January to October. Notably, from March to June, the UV Index peaks at 15, categorized as extreme, signifying that unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. February and March see the highest readings—reaching 13 and 15, respectively—while August and September maintain a high index at 14. As a result, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take adequate precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV exposure is most intense. In contrast, while December presents a slightly lower risk with a UV Index of 10, it is still advisable to remain vigilant.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
San Rafael Pie de la Cuesta | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |