UV Index in Santa Barbara, Mexico

Last updated: August 1, 2025

In Santa Barbara, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin while enjoying the region's sunny climate. With UV levels peaking at 14 around midday, understanding these readings can help you prevent skin damage and sunburn, ensuring a healthier lifestyle in this beautiful locale. Known for its arid climate and bright sunlight, Santa Barbara poses significant UV exposure risks, particularly during the summer months. Staying informed about the UV Index empowers residents and visitors to make safe choices, enabling you to relish the outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Barbara

The UV Index for the day paints a vivid picture of solar intensity. Starting off at 0 at 07:00, the sun gradually warms up, hitting 2 by 09:00. As the clock strikes 10:00, the index surges to a notable 5, marking the beginning of peak sun exposure. Things heat up significantly by 11:00, peaking at an impressive 14 by 14:00—the zenith of UV intensity. After this, a gentle decline begins, with the index easing to 12 at 15:00 and tapering off to 6 by 17:00. As the day winds down, the UV Index further drops to 3 by 18:00 and concludes with a 1 at 19:00—a gentle reminder to enjoy the sun wisely!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	8	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	14	extreme	10 min
15:00	13	extreme	10 min
16:00	10	very high	15 min
17:00	6	high	25 min
18:00	3	moderate	30 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santa Barbara

Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with high-risk months spanning from February to October. During this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 15 in April and May. Notably, March to October maintains an extreme exposure category where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. The highest risk for sunburn occurs in early months like February (UV Index 11) and peaks from March to May, where visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution. In contrast, November and December present lower UV Index values categorized as very high (9-10), allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times (15 minutes). To minimize skin damage and health risks, it is advised for individuals to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen, especially during the peak UV hours from late morning to early afternoon.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santa Barbara, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Santa Barbara. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Santa Barbara, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Santa Barbara UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santa Barbara compares to other major locations across Mexico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Santa Barbara's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mexico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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
Santa Barbara	9	11	14	15	15	14	14	14	14	13	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