Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz, Honduras, where the tropical climate brings about significant sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 14 during midday, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. The intense UV radiation characteristic of this region elevates the risk of skin damage, making it vital to monitor UV Index readings consistently. Familiarizing yourself with Santa Cruz's UV trends can empower you to enjoy outdoor activities safely while safeguarding against harmful effects on your skin. Remember, knowledge is your best defense against the sun’s rays!
At sunrise, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 by 07:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity increases swiftly, reaching a peak of 14 at both 11:00 and 12:00—the hottest part of the day. From there, the index starts to dip, descending to 9 by 14:00 and continuing down to 6 at 15:00. As afternoon transitions into evening, levels decrease further, plummeting to 1 by 17:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This hourly dance of UV exposure underscores the importance of sun protection, especially during midday when the UV levels are at their highest. Remember to stay safe and shield your skin when the UV Index is soaring!
| 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 |