Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Santa Maria, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. As the sun’s rays can be particularly intense in this warm climate, understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun exposure and safety. With peak UV Index values soaring to 14 during the afternoon hours, it's essential to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, to guard against harmful effects. Make smart choices and enjoy the beautiful Mexican sun while keeping your skin safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a refreshing 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 1, hinting at the day's potential. However, as the clock approaches 10:00 AM, the index surges to 5, marking the onset of significant sun exposure. The peak comes between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it reaches a blistering 14 at 2:00 PM—a critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity gradually recedes, dipping to 5 by 5:00 PM, and settling back to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. This oscillating UV Index serves as a reminder to stay protected during the sun's most potent 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 | 5 | 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from February to October. This period is characterized by an extreme risk of UV exposure, where the Index reaches a peak of 14 from April to July and remains high during surrounding months. January and November see a slight decrease to a very high exposure category, while December and October also become very high, with the UV Index dropping to 9. Visitors and residents are advised to take strict precautions, especially from February to October, when the burn time is as low as 10 minutes. It's essential to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seek shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of harmful UV radiation effects.
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 |
| Santa Maria | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| 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 |