Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Lucia Utatlan, Guatemala, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the high-altitude climate classified as Cwb, residents and visitors face significant UV exposure, especially between 10 AM and 1 PM when the index soars to a maximum of 15. Understanding the UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and contributing to long-term skin health, as even short periods of intense sun can lead to harmful effects. Stay aware of the UV Index to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe from damaging rays!
As the sun climbs higher, so does the UV Index, peaking at a striking 15 at noon. Starting off the day at a mild 2 at 07:00, the index steadily rises, reaching 11 by 10:00. By 11:00, it soars to 14, highlighting the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. It's at 12:00 that the UV Index hits its highest point, urging caution for those outdoors. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines to 10 at 14:00, before dipping further to 1 by 17:00. As evening settles in, the UVI drops to 0 by 19:00, signaling that the day’s sunburn risk has passed. Stay protected during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
The UV Index data indicates a consistent period of extreme UV exposure from January through October, with values peaking at 16 in April. Notably, high-risk months for skin damage are from February to May, corresponding with some of the highest UV readings. In these months, individuals should be particularly cautious, as the burn time is only 10 minutes across all cases during this time. As the summer months progress, while the UV Index remains elevated, there is a slight decrease, with August to October recording values between 14 and 15. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take proactive measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to mitigate the risks associated with these extreme UV levels. As December approaches, while the UV Index decreases slightly to 10, the burn time increases to 15 minutes, indicating a marginally lower risk but still necessitating sun protection practices.
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 |
| Santa Lucia Utatlan | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |