Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Santa Monica, Mexico, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage, making it imperative for both residents and visitors to stay informed. With a BWh climate characterized by hot, dry conditions, Santa Monica experiences significant UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at an intense 13 between 1 PM and 3 PM. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin's well-being.
The UV index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern, starting from a low 0 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbing as the sun rises. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 4, signaling the start of potential sun sensitivity. As noon approaches, the intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 PM with a UV index of 10, which is considered very high, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take protective measures. The afternoon hours continue to show significant UV levels, with a maximum of 13 at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, before slowly tapering off in the later afternoon and evening, dropping back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of sun safety, especially during the midday hours when UV exposure poses the greatest risk.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 | 13 | 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 Monica | 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 |