UV Index in La Union, Guatemala

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In La Union, Guatemala, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you make informed decisions to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Given La Union's tropical climate, where UV exposure can spike dramatically—especially during peak hours with readings soaring to 13—it’s essential to stay vigilant. By watching the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin from its harmful effects.

Hourly UV Index in La Union

The UV Index for today presents a dynamic range, peaking significantly during the midday hours. Starting at a mild 2 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily to a moderate 4 by 08:00. However, as the sun rises higher, it surges to a striking 11 at 10:00, reaching its zenith with a critical 13 by 11:00 and holding steady until 12:00. As the afternoon sets in, the index begins a descent, tapering off to 12 at 13:00, then dropping to 9 by 14:00. The late afternoon brings further relief, with readings declining to 6 at 15:00, and continuing downwards to 1 by 17:00. As the sun retreats, the index falls to 0 by 19:00, marking a dramatic end to the day's UV exposure. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours to enjoy the sunshine safely!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	6	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in La Union

During the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the high-risk months typically spanning from February to October, where the index remains in the extreme category. The peak levels occur from March to August, consistently reaching a UV Index of 14 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December present a very high exposure category with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should take precautions, particularly in the spring and summer months. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, use sunscreen with a high SPF, and limit sun exposure during peak hours to mitigate the risk of harmful UV radiation.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for La Union, Guatemala

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in La Union. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for La Union, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare La Union UV Index with Other Guatemala Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in La Union compares to other major locations across Guatemala. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

La Union's solar exposure compared to other cities in Guatemala. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
La Union	10	12	14	14	14	13	14	14	13	12	10	9
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