Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Francisco El Alto, Guatemala, where the subtropical highland climate brings unique sun exposure challenges. With UV levels peaking as high as 15 during midday hours, awareness is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Knowing when to seek shade, especially in a region where UV exposure risks can be heightened, not only safeguards your skin but also enhances overall well-being. Stay informed about the UV Index, and enjoy the beautiful climate safely!
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 |
| San Francisco El Alto | 12 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |