Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Santa Maria Chiquimula, Guatemala, where the tropical climate brings about intense sun exposure. By keeping an eye on UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and safeguard your skin health from the dangers of prolonged sun exposure. The UV Index varies throughout the day, peaking at a striking 15 around noon, highlighting the importance of sun safety measures during these hours. Given the typically warm and sunny climate of Santa Maria Chiquimula, awareness of UV risks is essential for everyone looking to enjoy the outdoors while protecting their skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises at 07:00, the UV Index is a modest 2, but it quickly ramps up. By 08:00, it reaches 4, signaling the start of a significant increase in UV radiation. The intensity peaks at 12:00 with a high of 15, presenting a clear reminder to seek shade and protect your skin. Despite a slight drop to 10 by 14:00, the UV index maintains its potency throughout the afternoon. By late afternoon, around 16:00, it dwindles to 3, and the evening hours see a gentle decline to 1 by 18:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This hour-by-hour pattern underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during midday when UV levels are at their most dangerous.
| 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 | 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 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 Maria Chiquimula | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |