Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, where the sun's intensity can pose significant health risks. With high UV levels peaking around midday, being aware of these fluctuations helps safeguard against sunburn and long-term skin damage. As a tropical climate typically characterized by strong sun exposure, San Pedro Sula presents unique challenges, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV levels. Regularly checking the UV Index empowers you to make informed choices about sun protection, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful outdoors while prioritizing your skin health.
Starting off with a gentle UV Index of 2 at 7:00 AM, the day quickly heats up, reaching a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, UV levels peak dramatically at 10 by 10:00 AM, escalating to a notable 13 by 11:00 AM and maintaining that intensity until 12:00 PM. From there, a gradual decline begins, dropping to 11 at 1:00 PM, then easing to 9 by 2:00 PM and further to 5 by 3:00 PM. The afternoon wanes as the index falls to 3 at 4:00 PM, finally settling at a low 1 for the last hours, where it hovers at 1 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, before dipping to 0 by 7:00 PM. Remember, during peak hours, from 11 AM to 12 PM, protective measures are essential to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 |