Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Cruz, Honduras, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and intense sunlight. The UV levels in Santa Cruz can peak at a staggering 14 around noon, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to understand these warnings to enjoy the sun safely. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to shield your skin from harmful effects while enjoying the beautiful outdoor activities this vibrant locale has to offer.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dynamic rise and fall, peaking in the early afternoon. From a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, the index escalates to 11 by 10:00 AM, reaching its zenith of 14 at 12:00 PM. This is the point to be cautious; between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM with values of 13 and 12 respectively, the midday sun is at its strongest. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index declines, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM, and continuing to diminish to 6 by 3:00 PM. The evening brings a welcome relief, with readings falling to 1 by both 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and finally settling at 0 as the day fades into night. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index in this region remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme exposure levels peaking from February to April, reaching a maximum of 15. This indicates that March and April are particularly concerning, as they coincide with the highest potential for skin damage with a burn time of just 10 minutes. While January and February start off strong, the UV Index slightly decreases in September and October, but still maintains a level of 13, categorized as extreme. November and December mark a slight reduction in intensity, but with values of 11 and 10 respectively, outdoor precautions remain essential, particularly in December where the burn time increases to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during these high-risk months to mitigate potential health risks associated with UV exposure.
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 |
| Santa Cruz | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Tegucigalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |