UV Index in Santa Cruz, Honduras

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Santa Cruz, Honduras, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in this warm climate where peak UV exposure can reach dangerously high levels around midday. With the UV Index soaring to 14 during peak hours, residents and visitors must stay vigilant and informed to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing health risks. Whether you're relaxing on the beach or exploring the local scenery, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in maintaining skin health.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Cruz

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a modest 2 at 07:00. By 09:00, it escalates to 8, signaling a peak in intensity by 12:00 with the maximum of 14. The afternoon sees a slight dip, but 13 remains strong at 13:00, before gradually decreasing throughout the late afternoon and evening. By 19:00, the UV Index drops to 0, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. It's essential to protect your skin during those peak hours, especially from 10:00 to 14:00 when UV levels are at their 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	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 Santa Cruz

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.

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
La Ceiba UVI	10	12	14	14	14	14	14	14	13	12	10	9
Santa Cruz	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