Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of El Zapote, Honduras, where the tropical climate brings high levels of sun exposure. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, directly impacting your risk for sunburn and long-term skin health. With peak UV levels soaring to 14 around noon, awareness of these levels can help you take appropriate precautions to protect your skin from harmful effects. El Zapote's warm, tropical climate offers plenty of sunshine but also increases the urgency to manage sun exposure effectively. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index today paints a vivid picture of sun intensity throughout the day. Early risers will experience a gentle start at 07:00 with a low of 2, slowly escalating to a more noticeable 4 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index reaches a peak of 14 at 12:00—the critical midday moment when sun protection is essential. From there, it begins to taper off, dropping to 12 at 13:00 before plunging down to 1 by 17:00. As evening approaches, UV exposure decreases, ultimately settling at 0 by 19:00. Remember to stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
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 | 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 | 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, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with January starting at a UV Index of 10 (very high) and gradually escalating to a peak of 14 (extreme) from March through August. The high-risk months for UV exposure are clearly identified from February to September, where the UV Index remains consistently extreme, particularly in the summer months. During this time, the advised burn time is as low as 10 minutes, necessitating diligent sun protection measures. As autumn approaches, the UV Index declines, dropping to 13 in September and October, and to 10 in November, before settling at 9 in December, indicating very high exposure risks. Residents and visitors should be extra cautious during high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to minimize skin damage from UV radiation.
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 |
El Zapote | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
Tegucigalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |