Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Santa Monica, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is crucial, especially in a region known for its warm, sunny climate, where peak UV exposure can reach alarming levels—with a maximum reading of 13 in the early afternoon. This awareness empowers you to take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful weather while prioritizing your well-being. With the typical BWh climate inviting outdoor activities, be prepared and protect yourself with the right precautions during the sunniest hours!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a striking pattern of escalating intensity. Starting off gently at 1 in the early hours of 07:00 and 08:00, the index begins to rise gradually, hitting 2 by 09:00. A rapid surge follows, peaking at an intense 13 between 13:00 and 14:00. This is the moment when the sun’s rays are most potent, with a risky 11 at 12:00 and a notable 12 by 15:00. As the afternoon begins to wane, the UV index drops, settling back to a manageable 6 by 17:00, and later retreating to 3 and 1 as night falls. Stay safe and protect your skin during the peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |