Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Maria, Mexico, where the climate, classified as BSh, brings both delightful sunshine and significant UV exposure risks. As sunburns can develop in just a few minutes of unprotected skin exposure, awareness of UV levels not only aids in preventing painful burns but is essential for long-term skin health. With UV Index readings soaring as high as 12 during midday hours, it’s vital to stay informed about the sun’s potency to enjoy the beautiful outdoor lifestyle while protecting your skin.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a remarkable ascent and subsequent descent, reflecting the sun's peak intensity. Starting at a gentle 1 in the early hours of 07:00 and 08:00, the index gradually climbs to reach a moderate level of 2 by 09:00. However, it escalates dramatically at 10:00, spiking to 4, and by 11:00, the sun's rays are striking with a powerful force, resulting in a significant 7. The apex occurs at 12:00, hitting a striking 10, and shortly after, it peaks at 11 by 13:00 before achieving its highest mark of 12 at 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, there’s a noticeable decrease, with the index descending to 11 at 15:00, and continuing to decline to 5 by 17:00. By evening, it gently tapers off to 3 at 18:00 and finishes the day at a comfortable 1 by 19:00. With such fluctuations, it’s essential to stay protected during the midday hours when the sun is at its strongest!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels typically occurring from April to September. During these months, the UV Index reaches extremes of 11 to 12, categorizing them as extreme exposure. February through October are considered high-risk months, especially April to August, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. It is vital for residents and visitors to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the UV Index decreases in the fall and winter months, November and December present lower risk, with more moderate values of 6 and 5, allowing for longer exposure times before burning occurs. Adjusting outdoor activities according to the UV index is essential for ensuring safety and health throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| 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 |