Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Copan Ruinas, Honduras, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. Understanding the varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day can help you prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health. With the town's Aw climate, known for its warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, UV levels can reach a peak of 14 around noon, posing significant risks for both residents and visitors. By being aware of these levels, you can make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring your enjoyment of the beautiful landscapes and rich history without compromising your health.
At dawn, the UV Index starts softly at 2 by 07:00, suggesting a low risk for sun exposure. As the morning progresses, it escalates to 4 by 08:00 and reaches 7 at 09:00, indicating a moderate level of sun intensity. The day peaks with an impressive 14 at 12:00, where sun safety becomes crucial as the risk is rated high. Afternoon hours see a gradual decline from 13 at 13:00 down to 10 by 14:00, before dropping further to 6 at 15:00. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index dwindles to 3 by 16:00, and finally settles at 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, with a complete drop to 0 by 19:00, signaling that the sun's rays are no longer a concern. Always remember to protect your skin during those high UV periods!
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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UVA levels display pronounced seasonal variability, with January to September marked by an extreme UV Index, peaking in April at 15. During this period, burn time is critically short at just 10 minutes, highlighting the increased risk of skin damage during the high-risk months from February to April. Following this peak, UV levels gradually decrease but remain extreme through much of the summer, before tapering off to very high levels in November and December. For both visitors and residents, it is crucial to practice sun safety, especially during the spring and summer months. Sunscreen application, protective clothing, and seeking shade are essential strategies to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure during these high-risk seasons.
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 |
La Ceiba UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Copan Ruinas | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
Tegucigalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |