Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial in Santa Maria Tonaya, Mexico, a region known for its warm and sunny climate. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, especially during those peak hours when the index soars. With UV Index readings reaching a maximum of 14 around midday, residents and visitors alike must take precautions to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Given the area's typical exposure risks, staying informed about the UV Index can make all the difference in enjoying the sun safely!
The UV Index rises dramatically as the day unfolds, starting from a calm 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it gently increases to 1, signaling a mild sun presence. As the clock strikes 9:00 AM, it nudges to 2, but things heat up quickly from there. At 10:00 AM, the index jumps to 5, then surges to a formidable 9 by 11:00 AM. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM with a blistering 12, but it doesn't stop there! 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM witness the highest levels, both hitting 14, making it crucial to seek shade or lather on sunscreen. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the index easing to 12 at 3:00 PM, then 9 at 4:00 PM, and tapering off to 5 by 5:00 PM. As the sun starts to set, it cools down to 2 at 6:00 PM, and eventually settles at 1 by 7:00 PM, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Stay mindful of those midday rays!
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
The seasonal UV changes show significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest risk months occurring from February to October, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels, particularly peaking in April and May at 15. During these months, the safe exposure time is reduced to just 10 minutes, highlighting the importance of taking precautions. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to avoid prolonged sun exposure during these months, especially between midday hours, and to consistently apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible. As the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index decreases to levels classified as very high, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 15 minutes, but caution remains essential year-round.
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 Maria Tonaya | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |