Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Santo Tomás La Unión, Guatemala, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With UV levels soaring to a maximum of 14 during midday, awareness can help you prevent painful sunburns and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. The region's Cwb climate brings varied exposure, making it vital to check UV levels regularly and take suitable precautions. By being informed about the UV Index, you empower yourself to enjoy the beautiful Guatemalan sunshine while keeping your skin healthy and protected.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 11:00 AM with a striking value of 14, signaling that it’s time for sun protection. Starting from a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, it escalates through the morning, hitting 4 by 8:00 AM and climbing to a notable 7 by 9:00 AM. The intensity reaches its zenith at 10:00 AM, marking the beginning of the highest risk period. While it slightly dips to 13 at 1:00 PM, the UV levels remain significant until 3:00 PM, when they start to decline. By 5:00 PM, the UV index drops to a manageable 1, and by sunset at 7:00 PM, it falls to 0, offering a gentle end to the day with little need for sunscreen. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
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 | 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 in the region shows a marked seasonal increase from January through April, peaking at 15 in April, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of only 10 minutes. From May to October, the index remains high at 14, continuing the extreme exposure risk. High-risk months for UV exposure are March through October, where visitors and residents should take precautionary measures as all fall within the extreme category. In November, the UV Index drops slightly to 11, and to 9 in December, categorizing the exposure as very high but with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. It is strongly advised that individuals employ protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during these high-risk months to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
Santo Tomas La Union | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 |
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 |