UV Index in Santa Cruz, Mexico

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Santa Cruz, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the tropical climate typical of this region, sun exposure can escalate quickly, making awareness of UV levels vital to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Throughout the day, especially from late morning to early afternoon, the UV Index can reach dangerously high levels, peaking at 13 between noon and 1 PM. By being mindful of these fluctuations, you can take effective measures to protect yourself and enjoy the sun safely!

Hourly UV Index in Santa Cruz

The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic rhythm of sun exposure. Starting the morning with a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it steadily climbs as the sun rises higher, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. A noticeable surge occurs by 9:00 AM, peaking at 10:00 AM with a robust 7. The intensity escalates to its maximum of 13 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, emphasizing the need for sun protection during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off, descending to 3 by 5:00 PM and finally winding down to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. This pattern highlights the crucial times to take precautions against UV exposure, making it key to enjoy the sun safely.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	13	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santa Cruz

The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with very high to extreme levels dominating from February to October. The highest risk months are March to October, where the UV Index peaks at 13, necessitating only a 10-minute burn time. January and February present very high risks as well but with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. As the year transitions to November and December, the risks decrease, with November still categorized as very high (UV Index 8, burn time 15 min) and December as high (UV Index 7, burn time 25 min). Visitors and residents are urged to take precautionary measures during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santa Cruz, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Santa Cruz. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Santa Cruz, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Santa Cruz UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santa Cruz compares to other major locations across Mexico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Santa Cruz's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mexico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Santa Cruz	8	10	13	13	13	13	13	13	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