Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial in Santa Cruz Ex-Hacienda, Mexico, where the climate features abundant sunshine and elevated UV levels. Understanding these levels is not only key to preventing sunburn but also vital for long-term skin health, as even moderate exposure can lead to adverse effects. With peak UV indices soaring to 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM, residents and visitors must stay vigilant during midday hours when the risk of skin damage is highest. Equip yourself with this essential knowledge to enjoy the sun safely and make the most of the idyllic Mexican weather!
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise in sun exposure as the day progresses. Starting at 7:00 AM with a mild value of 1, the index climbs steadily to reach 4 by 9:00 AM. However, it's around 11:00 AM that the UV radiation peaks at 10, escalating further to a maximum of 12 at noon. The sun’s intensity continues to be fierce, reaching a high of 13 by 1:00 PM before gradually tapering off. From 2:00 PM, the index starts its descent, hovering at 12 and then dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon transitions into evening, the UV levels diminish significantly, resting at 1 by 7:00 PM. For anyone spending time outdoors, taking precautions during the peak hours is crucial to ensure safety from harmful UV rays.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest risk months typically occurring from March to October. During this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, particularly peaking at 13 from March to July. This translates to a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. February also sees a high UV Index of 10, while January stands at 8, indicating very high exposure levels. As we transition towards the end of the year, November and December mark a decline, with indices of 8 and 7 respectively, accompanied by longer burn times of 15 to 25 minutes. Given these insights, it is crucial for visitors and residents to prioritize sun protection during the high-risk months, particularly from March to October, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz Ex-Hacienda | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |
| Guadalajara UVI | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Iztapalapa UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Ecatepec de Morelos UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Mexico City UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |