Last updated: May 3, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index in San Pedro Sula, Honduras is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With intense sun exposure and a climate that offers plenty of sunshine, understanding UV levels can help you prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. From morning until afternoon, UV Index values can soar to dangerous levels—peaking at 13—making it essential to take protective measures, especially during the hours of maximum exposure. Let this guide equip you with the knowledge you need to enjoy the beautiful weather while keeping your skin safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, making it a gentle beginning to the day. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 4, hinting at the need for a bit of sun protection. The intensity reaches its peak between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, soaring to a high of 13. This powerful midday sun calls for extra caution as the UV index hovers at this level for two consecutive hours before gradually tapering off. By 3:00 PM, the UV Index drops to 5 and continues to decline, hitting 1 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV levels ease to 0 by 7:00 PM, wrapping up the day with a low-risk, sun-safe atmosphere. Enjoy the bright moments, but don’t forget your sunscreen 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 | 13 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index values in this region fluctuate significantly, with particularly high-risk months occurring from February to October. During this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 14 in April and maintaining high values of 13 thereafter through September. This means that even brief sun exposure can lead to skin damage, with a recommended burn time of just 10 minutes during these months. Conversely, the winter months of November and December see a slight decrease in risk, with a UV Index of 9 and a burn time of 15 minutes. As a result, visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during the peak months when sun exposure is most hazardous.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Pedro Sula | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| Choloma 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 |
| Tegucigalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |