Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Fe, Mexico, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. The UV levels in this region, especially during midday, can reach dangerously high values, making it essential to stay informed to prevent sunburn and promote skin health. With a BWh climate characterized by high temperatures and ample sunshine, Santa Fe offers beautiful days, but it also poses significant risks for overexposure to UV radiation. By monitoring the UV Index, you can protect yourself and enjoy the outdoors safely!
This hour-by-hour UV Index data reveals a striking pattern throughout the day. Starting off gently at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity begins to rise gradually, reaching 2 by 09:00. The sun's rays become increasingly potent as the clock ticks, hitting 4 at 10:00 before skyrocketing to 7 at 11:00. The peak occurs in the early afternoon, with a scorching 10 at 12:00 and reaching an intense 13 at 14:00. Following this zenith, the UV Index begins to taper off, descending to 12 by 15:00, then dropping to 9 at 16:00. As the day cools, the UVI continues to decline, finding itself at 3 by 18:00 and returning to a more manageable 1 at 19:00. In summary, the UV exposure is highest between 11:00 and 14:00, making those hours critical for sun safety.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, highlighting significant variations in sun exposure risk throughout the year. The high-risk months are prominently from February to October, with peaks in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October all classified under the extreme category, where the burn time is notably only 10 minutes. This makes February the first month with a very high category, and November sees a reduction to very high as well, while January and December present a high risk with extended burn times of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the peak months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize exposure, especially during midday when the sun's strength is at its highest.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |