Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Esteban, Honduras, is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With a warm Am climate, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the index often peaks at a striking 14. Recognizing these UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health, as even short periods in the sun can lead to skin damage. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can confidently enjoy the beautiful San Esteban weather while safeguarding your skin from its potential risks.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low at 2 by 7:00 AM, but rapidly climbs to a peak of 14 by 11:00 AM, signaling a high level of UV exposure. The intensity remains elevated through noon, continuing at 14 before gradually tapering off in the afternoon. By 3:00 PM, the index drops to 5, and as the day winds down, it descends further to 0 by 7:00 PM. For those outdoors, it's essential to stay protected during the peak hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM when the index is at its highest.
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index reveals significant variations in sun exposure. From January to September, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 15 in April. High-risk months for sunburn include February through October, where exposure categories remain consistently extreme, with a burn time of just 10 minutes in most cases. Even in November and December, the UV Index remains notably high, with values of 10 and 9, respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months: wear sunscreen with high SPF, don protective clothing, and seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM to minimize the risk of UV-related harm.
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 |
San Esteban | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
Tegucigalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |