UV Index in Santa Maria, Mexico

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Santa Maria, Mexico, is essential for safeguarding your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With peaks reaching a maximum of 14 during midday, awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it crucial for residents and visitors alike. Nestled in a Cfb climate zone, Santa Maria experiences diverse weather, but the risk of UV exposure remains high, particularly during the sunniest hours. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely by knowing how to protect yourself from its powerful rays!

Hourly UV Index in Santa Maria

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and remains low until 9:00 AM, when it escalates to 3. The real intensity kicks in around 10:00 AM, reaching 5, and the index climbs dramatically as the day progresses. By 12:00 PM, it peaks at a scorching 12, and an impressive 14 is recorded at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The sun starts to wane after that, with the index gradually dipping to 8 by 4:00 PM, before descending to a gentle 2 by 6:00 PM. The day concludes with a return to a low 1 at 7:00 PM, making it clear that midday sun poses the greatest danger – a reminder of the importance of sun protection during those peak hours.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 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	8	very high	15 min
17:00	5	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santa Maria

As we monitor seasonal UV changes, it is evident that the months from February to October showcase an extreme UV Index, particularly peaking in April through June with a sustained index of 14. This places these months—and particularly March, April, May, June, July, and August—at high risk for UV exposure, where the burn time is as little as 10 minutes. Conversely, January, November, and December revert to a very high exposure category but allow for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution during the peak months by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure, particularly during midday hours when the UV rays are the strongest.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santa Maria, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Santa Maria. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Santa Maria, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Santa Maria UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santa Maria compares to other major locations across Mexico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Santa Maria's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mexico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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	8	11	13	14	14	14	14	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