Last updated: June 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Elena de la Villa, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly for much of the year in a warm climate. Understanding UV levels not only helps you prevent sunburn but also supports overall skin health, safeguarding you from long-term damage. With peak UV exposure in the early afternoon reaching high levels—such as a staggering 14 between 1 PM and 2 PM—it's essential to take precautions to protect yourself from harmful rays. By being aware of the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities and ensure a safe and enjoyable time under the sun.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a notable rise, peaking at 14 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, which underscores the importance of sun protection during these hours. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the UV levels gradually ascend, reaching a moderate 5 by 10:00 AM. However, as the sun climbs higher, the intensity escalates, hitting a striking 12 at noon. The afternoon continues this trend with sustained values of 14 before beginning to taper off towards the evening, dropping back to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay informed and protect your skin, particularly during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM when UV exposure is highest.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest values occurring from February to September, peaking at 14 in May and June. These months fall under the extreme exposure category, where the recommended maximum exposure time without protection is only 10 minutes. Conversely, January, November, and December experience very high UV levels, requiring a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take strong precautions during the high-risk months of February to October by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Elena de la Villa | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 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 |