Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of La Empalizada, Honduras, where the region's warm, tropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin health issues, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful outdoor landscape safely. With peak UV indices soaring as high as 13 during the midday hours, it's essential to take proactive measures against harmful rays, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the sun’s intensity is at its worst. Stay informed and protect your skin while soaking in all that La Empalizada has to offer!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting from a modest 2 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it escalates to a 5, but the real surge occurs as the day progresses. At 9:00 AM, it hits 8, transitioning into the peak intensity of 11 by 10:00 AM. The UV intensity continues to soar, reaching a maximum of 13 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM—a critical time for sun protection. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines, measuring 12 at 1:00 PM before tapering off to 9 by 2:00 PM. In the late afternoon, the levels drop further to 5 at 3:00 PM, and continue to decline, resting at 3 by 4:00 PM and dropping to 1 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, UV exposure diminishes to 0 by 7:00 PM, concluding a day of intense sunlight. For optimal skin safety, it’s essential to stay protected during the peak hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
The seasonal UV changes reveal consistently high levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, with the highest UV Index recorded in March and April at 15. The highest-risk months for sun exposure are from February to September, where the UV Index remains in the extreme category, necessitating a burn time of only 10 minutes. Notably, November and December still present significant UV levels, categorized as very high, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents alike to take appropriate precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of harmful UV effects.
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 |
| La Empalizada | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| Tegucigalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |