UV Index in Santa Elena, Honduras

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Santa Elena, Honduras, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels not only helps you enjoy the sunny outdoors safely but also reduces the long-term risks associated with skin damage. With a tropical climate that boasts high UV exposure—especially around midday—it's essential to stay informed about peak hours and take precautions accordingly. From early morning to mid-afternoon, UV levels can soar, reaching a maximum of 13 at noon, making it vital to check the UV Index daily to safeguard your skin during your sunny adventures.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Elena

The UV Index today displays a dynamic pattern, peaking at a striking 13 around 12:00 PM, signaling the strongest sun exposure of the day. Early risers will enjoy a low UV of just 2 at 7:00 AM, but as the sun ascends, the index climbs sharply, reaching 10 by 10:00 AM and hitting 12 at 11:00 AM. As the afternoon unfolds, it gradually dips to 9 at 2:00 PM and then decreases further to 6 by 3:00 PM. By the evening, the UV Index drops significantly, plummeting to 1 at both 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and falling to 0 by 7:00 PM. Stay safe and protect your skin during those peak hours!

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	7	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santa Elena

The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations, with January showing a UV Index of 10 and moving up to a peak of 14 in April. The high-risk months are clearly identified from February through October, where the UV Index reaches 12 or higher, categorizing exposure as extreme. Burn times are notably short, often just 10 minutes during these peak months, so visitors and residents should exercise caution. To mitigate potential skin damage, it is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade, especially during midday hours when the sun is strongest. As November and December approach, the risk decreases slightly, but vigilance remains crucial during these transitional months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santa Elena, Honduras

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Santa Elena. 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 Elena, 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 Elena UV Index with Other Honduras Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santa Elena 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 Elena'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
Santa Elena	10	12	13	14	13	13	13	13	13	12	10	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