Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Maria del Real, Honduras, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health, especially during peak exposure times. With the region's tropical climate and consistent high UV readings—reaching up to 13 from mid-morning to noon—it's essential to stay informed and take protective measures against potential risks. Enjoy the sun safely by checking the UV Index regularly and adapting your outdoor activities accordingly!
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index in this region exhibits a notable seasonal pattern, with consistently extreme levels from January to August, peaking at 15 in April. The high-risk months are primarily from March to August, where the UV Index remains above 13 and burn time is limited to just 10 minutes. As the seasons shift, September to November experience a slight reduction: the index lowers to 10 in November while still posing a risk, with burn times increasing to 15 minutes in both November and December when exposure is categorized as very high. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take preventative measures year-round, especially during high-risk months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage.
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 Maria del Real | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| Tegucigalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |