UV Index in Santa Cruz, Mexico

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Santa Cruz, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing painful sunburn. With the region's warm, tropical climate, understanding UV levels can help you take proactive measures during the sunniest hours. From midday, where values soar to 12 and 13, exposure risks increase significantly, making it essential to protect yourself even on seemingly mild days. By staying informed about UV trends, you can enjoy Santa Cruz's beautiful beaches and outdoor activities while keeping your skin safe and healthy.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Cruz

As the sun rises on this bright day, the UV Index starts off relatively low, peaking at just 1 at both 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. However, by 9:00 AM, it jumps to 3, signaling an increase in UV exposure. The intensity escalates quickly, reaching a notable 6 by 10:00 AM. The real intensity hits its peak at 12:00 PM, when the UV Index soars to a striking 12, followed closely by a high of 13 at 1:00 PM. Over the next few hours, the index gradually diminishes, but still remains significant with 10 at 3:00 PM and 7 by 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the levels continue to decline, returning to 1 once dusk settles in at 7:00 PM. Be sure to protect your skin!

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	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	9	very high	15 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	12	extreme	10 min
15:00	10	very high	15 min
16:00	7	high	25 min
17:00	4	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santa Cruz

During the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking from March through September with consistently high levels categorized as extreme (UV Index 11-13) and a burn time of only 10 minutes. The highest-risk months are February to April and June to September, when the UV Index reaches its maximum of 13. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take proper precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade when outdoors to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. In contrast, January, November, and December experience a slight decrease in UV exposure, yet caution should still be exercised as the UV Index remains in the very high range.

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	9	11	13	13	12	13	13	12	13	11	9	8
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