Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Santa Gertrudis (La Hacienda), awareness of the UV Index is essential for both residents and visitors alike. Understanding UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, especially in this BSh climate, where sunlight can be intense. With midday UV indexes peaking at a blistering 14, the risks of overexposure are significant. Being informed about the daily UV fluctuations can help you enjoy the sun safely while nourishing your skin and protecting your well-being under the warm Mexican sun.
The UV Index tells a compelling story of the sun's changing intensity throughout the day. Starting off mild at 07:00 with a low reading of 1, the index gradually climbs, reaching 2 by 08:00. The sun really begins to assert its strength around 10:00 with a peak value of 7, but the day’s maximum occurs at 12:00, soaring to an impressive 13. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index continues to rise, hitting its highest point of 14 at 13:00. Following this peak, the index dips gently but noticeably, tapering to 10 by 15:00, and then noticeably declining back to 2 by 18:00, before wrapping up the day at 19:00 with a low 1. This snapshot of the UV Index emphasizes the importance of sun protection during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, marking specific months as high-risk for sun exposure. From March to September, the UV Index peaks at levels classified as extreme, particularly in April and May with an index of 14, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. The highest risk is clearly evident from February to October, with February showing a very high index of 9 and October measuring 10. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Gertrudis (La Hacienda) | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| 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 |