Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Santa Cruz, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels soaring between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM—reaching a maximum of 15—it's vital to be aware of the sun's intensity during these hours to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given the region's warm and sunny climate, residents and visitors alike should prioritize sun safety by staying informed about UV exposure risks. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant outdoor activities Santa Cruz has to offer while keeping your skin protected.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index reflects its strength, peaking dramatically around midday. Starting the day with a mild UV Index of 1 at 07:00, the intensity begins to increase steadily. By 10:00, it escalates to 5, but the real surge occurs between 11:00 and 14:00, where the index skyrockets to an impressive 15 at 14:00. This is a crucial reminder for outdoor enthusiasts to protect themselves during these hours, as the UV levels are at their highest. After reaching its zenith, the index gradually descends, dipping to 9 by 16:00 and falling to a safer 3 by 18:00, leaving the evenings more benign with a last index of 1 at 19:00. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine wisely!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily occurring from February through October. During this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 15 in April, May, July, and fluctuating between 12 and 14 in other summer months. Burn times are notably short, with exposure times as little as 10 minutes required for potential sunburn. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these months; this includes wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours whenever possible. As we transition into November and December, the UV Index decreases to 10 and 9, respectively, allowing for a moderate level of exposure, although caution is still recommended.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Santa Cruz | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |