Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Santo Domingo, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels can significantly impact sunburn prevention and overall skin health, especially in a region where the sun’s intensity peaks at a staggering UV Index of 13 from 1 PM to 3 PM. With its Aw climate, characterized by warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, Santo Domingo presents unique risks that necessitate vigilance. Awareness of the UV Index empowers residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures to safeguard their skin, ensuring enjoyable outdoor experiences without the worry of sun damage.
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo | 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 |