Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Momostenango, Guatemala, where the sun's rays can be intense, particularly during midday. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn, protecting your skin health, and reducing the risk of long-term damage. With a climate classified as Cwb, local conditions can lead to significant UV exposure, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when the UV Index peaks at a scorching 15. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful weather while safeguarding your health.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise and fall in intensity. Starting at 07:00, the index is a modest 2, but by 09:00, it jumps to 7, indicating a sharp increase in sun exposure. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, where the UV Index reaches a scorching 15, signaling a critical need for sun protection. As the afternoon rolls in, the numbers begin to decline, dipping to 11 by 14:00 and further down to 4 at 16:00. Finally, the index wanes into the evening, dropping to 1 at 18:00 and settling at 0 by 19:00, effectively marking the end of a sun-soaked day. Pay attention to these fluctuations to protect your skin from harmful UV rays!
| 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index data presents a notable trend of consistently high UV levels from January through November, classified as “extreme.” The month of March peaks with an index of 16, followed closely by April and July, while February is slightly higher at 14. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during these high-risk months, as the burn time is a mere 10 minutes across most months, emphasizing the need for sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing when outdoors. As the year progresses into December, there is a slight reduction in UV exposure, decreasing to a very high level with a burn time of 15 minutes. It’s crucial for everyone to remain aware of the high UV index and take appropriate precautions year-round to safeguard against harmful sun exposure.
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 |
| Momostenango | 12 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |