UV Index in Zacapa, Guatemala

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Staying informed about the UV index is crucial for residents and visitors in Zacapa, Guatemala, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. Understanding the daily UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for protecting your long-term skin health. With a climate that boasts a tropical dry savanna, Zacapa typically experiences significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours. For example, the UV index skyrockets to 14 at noon, highlighting the need for precautions to keep your skin safe while enjoying the vibrant outdoors. Be proactive about your sun safety—knowledge can make all the difference!

Hourly UV Index in Zacapa

The UV Index tells a compelling story throughout the day, starting off with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun ascends, it charges up rapidly, reaching a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with an intense 14, suggesting that this is the time to seek shade and take precautions against sunburn. The index gradually declines thereafter, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM, and further down to a safe 1 at 5:00 PM. As evening sets in, the UV rays diminish, leaving a 0 at 7:00 PM. It's clear: the midday hours are when the sun is most powerful, so plan accordingly to protect your skin!

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	1	low	45 min
08:00	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	7	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	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 Zacapa

Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk months occurring from March to October, when values consistently reach between 12 and 14, placing the exposure category at extreme. This means that any unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes during these months, highlighting the importance of protective measures. Conversely, January, November, and December experience a drop in the UV Index, classified as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. To ensure safety from harmful UV radiation, visitors and residents are strongly advised to apply sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing, particularly during the peak months of spring and summer when the risk is at its highest.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Zacapa, Guatemala

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Zacapa. 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 Zacapa, 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 Zacapa UV Index with Other Guatemala Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Zacapa 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.

Zacapa'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
Zacapa	10	12	14	14	14	14	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