Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Cristobal Totonicapan, Guatemala, where the sun can shine intensely throughout the year. With a temperate climate that has distinct dry and rainy seasons, knowing the daily UV levels helps in making informed decisions to protect your skin from harmful rays, preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, the UV Index can soar to as high as 16, emphasizing the importance of sun safety practices. Stay aware and shield yourself from the potentially damaging effects of sun exposure in this beautiful, highland region!
The UV Index for the day presents a striking rise and fall pattern as the sun climbs and sets. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it quickly escalates to a peak of 16 by noon, emphasizing the need for sun protection during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 14 at 13:00 and tapering down to a more forgiving 2 by 17:00. The UV Index then gracefully diminishes to 0 by 19:00, heralding the day's end. For those planning outdoor activities, midday is crucial—stay protected and enjoy the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 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 |
| San Cristobal Totonicapan | 12 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |