Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the beautiful Arenal, Honduras, being mindful of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health amid its warm, tropical climate. Understanding UV levels is crucial, as they indicate the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. With UV Index values peaking at 14 around noon, Arenal presents significant exposure risks that demand your attention. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely, ensuring your outdoor adventures remain both fun and healthy.
The UV Index today paints a vivid picture of sun intensity throughout the day. Early risers will experience a gentle start at 07:00 with a low of 2, slowly escalating to a more noticeable 4 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index reaches a peak of 14 at 12:00—the critical midday moment when sun protection is essential. From there, it begins to taper off, dropping to 12 at 13:00 before plunging down to 1 by 17:00. As evening approaches, UV exposure decreases, ultimately settling at 0 by 19:00. Remember to stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 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 |
Arenal | 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 |