Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Rita, Mexico, where the combination of a warm climate and high sun exposure can lead to significant risks for skin health. With UV levels peaking at 12 around midday, it’s essential to be mindful of sunburn prevention measures to protect yourself from harmful rays. Santa Rita, characterized by its Aw climate, offers abundant sunshine but also presents heightened exposure risks, especially during the late morning and early afternoon hours. Stay informed about the UV Index to enjoy the sun safely!
Starting early in the morning, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index rises sharply, reaching 4 by 10:00 AM and climbing significantly to 10 at noon. The afternoon sees the UV Index soar to its maximum of 13 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the values gradually decrease, settling back to 6 by 5:00 PM and finally dropping to a mild 1 by 7:00 PM. It's important to stay protected, especially during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM when the sun's rays are their strongest!
| 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 | 6 | 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 UV levels fluctuate throughout the year, January and February start off with a very high UV Index of 9 and 10, respectively, allowing for 15 minutes of exposure before burns occur. From March to October, the UV Index peaks, reaching an extreme high of 14 in June and September. During these months, the burn time drastically decreases to just 10 minutes, presenting a significant risk for sun damage. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through October, with consistent extreme readings that warrant extra caution. As the year transitions into November and December, the UV Index drops back to 9 and 8, marking a shift to very high exposure with a return to 15-minute burn times. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak UV hours, especially from March to October, to mitigate the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Rita | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| 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 |