UV Index in Santa Cruz, Honduras

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Santa Cruz, Honduras, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With average UV levels frequently reaching high levels, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, awareness is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. The tropical climate of Santa Cruz means that residents and visitors alike are exposed to strong sunlight year-round, making it vital to monitor UV levels daily. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can make proactive choices to enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Cruz

The UV Index trend throughout the day reveals a striking peak during midday hours, urging caution for outdoor enthusiasts. Starting modestly at 2 at 07:00, the index rapidly climbs, reaching a significant 14 by 12:00, making this the most critical time for sun exposure. Even as the clock ticks towards the afternoon, the UV levels remain high, peaking at 13 at 11:00 and 12:00, before gradually declining to 5 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the index drops to 3 at 16:00, then tapering off to 1 by the evening hours. For those venturing outside, it's essential to protect your skin between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun's rays are most intense.

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	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	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 Santa Cruz

The UV Index clearly demonstrates a pattern of extreme sun exposure from January through July. The highest values peak in March to June, with an index of 14, indicating the most critical months for UV risk. As summer transitions into fall, the index gradually decreases but remains at a high level through August and September. Notably, November and December present a slight reduction to very high levels, with a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should take precautionary measures during these high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and prevent sunburn.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santa Cruz, Honduras

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

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

Santa Cruz's solar exposure compared to other cities in Honduras. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Santa Cruz	11	12	14	14	14	14	13	13	13	13	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