Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Piedras Amarillas, Honduras, being aware of the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. The region's tropical climate guarantees ample sunlight, making it crucial to comprehend the daily UV levels. With peaks reaching a critical level of 14 at noon, understanding these fluctuations helps residents and visitors protect themselves from harmful effects of overexposure. From the early morning hours—where UV levels rise significantly—to the high midday peaks, staying informed about UV risks can foster healthier sun habits and ensure safe enjoyment of the beautiful, sunny outdoors.
The UV Index rises dramatically throughout the morning, starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it jumps to 8, reaching a peak of 14 at 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the index dropping to 5 by 3:00 PM, and further cooling off to 1 by 5:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV levels drop to a safe 0 by 7:00 PM. To stay protected, it’s essential to take precautions during those peak hours between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the sun's intensity is greatest. Enjoy the outdoors, but remember to slip, slop, and slap!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk months occurring from February to July, where the index reaches a peak of 14 and is classified as extreme. Specifically, March, April, May, July, and June maintain this peak level, necessitating vigilance for sun exposure. During these months, the burn time is critically low at just 10 minutes, making it essential for visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. In contrast, January and February also exhibit very high to extreme UV levels, but with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes in January and 10 minutes in February. As summer transitions into fall, the UV index gradually declines, yet October maintains an extreme classification, reminding all to remain cautious as the season changes. Please prioritize sun safety year-round, especially during these high-risk periods.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choloma UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| San Pedro Sula UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| El Progreso UVI | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Piedras Amarillas | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| La Ceiba UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Tegucigalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |