Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Barbara, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly over its beautiful coastal landscapes. Being aware of UV levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and maintaining good skin health, especially when the index reaches a peak of 13 during midday hours. With a climate well-suited for outdoor activities, Santa Barbara presents unique exposure risks that require vigilance; on sunny days, intense UV radiation can rapidly lead to skin damage. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun's harsh rays while enjoying all that this vibrant destination has to offer!
The UV Index for the day reveals a dramatic rise in sun exposure as the hours progress. Starting at a mere 0 at 07:00, it gently climbs to 1 by 08:00, before making a noticeable leap to 2 at 09:00. The sun really starts to assert its power around 10:00, with a UV Index of 4, reaching 7 by 11:00. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, where it soars to a staggering 11, followed closely by a maximum of 13 at both 13:00 and 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the intensity begins to decline, falling to 12 at 15:00, then tapering down to 9 at 16:00. The evening offers some respite, with the index dropping to 6 at 17:00, 3 by 18:00, and finally settling at 1 as the sun sets at 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours!
| 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 | 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 |
The seasonal UV changes indicate that the region experiences high levels of ultraviolet radiation from February through October, peaking in June at an index of 14. The high-risk months are identified as February to October, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 14, resulting in a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take extra precautions during these months by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. The UV Index decreases in November and December to 8, categorized as very high, allowing for a bit more comfort, but caution remains crucial during all daylight hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Barbara | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 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 |