MEMORANDUM **
Sergio Ivan Gutierrez appeals from the district court’s judgment and challenges the 144-month sentence imposed following his jury-trial conviction for one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, and seven counts of mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1342. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291, and we affirm.
Gutierrez contends that the district court erred by failing to give him notice as required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32(h) before imposing an upward departure. Because the district court imposed a variance rather than a departure, Rule 32(h) does not apply. See Irizarry v. United States, 553 U.S. 708, 714, 128 S.Ct. 2198, 171 L.Ed.2d 28 (2008).
Gutierrez also contends that the district court procedurally erred by improperly relying on Gutierrez’s failure to apologize to the victims, and by failing to give a sufficient explanation for the sentence. We review for plain error, see United States v. Valencia-Barragan, 608 F.3d 1103, 1108 *697(9th Cir.2010), and find none. The district court properly considered Gutierrez’s personal characteristics, including his lack of contrition and failure to apologize, in the context of the 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) sentencing factors, and adequately explained the sentence imposed. See United States v. Carty, 520 F.3d 984, 991-93 (9th Cir.2008) (en banc).
Gutierrez further contends that his sentence is substantively unreasonable. The district court did not abuse its discretion in imposing Gutierrez’s sentence. See Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 51, 128 S.Ct. 586, 169 L.Ed.2d 445 (2007). The sentence nine months above the Guidelines range is substantively reasonable in light of the section 3553(a) sentencing factors and the totality of the circumstances, including Gutierrez’s failure to acknowledge the substantial harm to his victims, and the need for deterrence and protection of the public. See id.
AFFIRMED.