Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Anita, Mexico, where the sun can be both a source of warmth and potential harm. With peak UV levels reaching a striking 14 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. The climate here, classified as Cwa, presents unique challenges, as the mix of dry and wet seasons can lead to varied exposure risks. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while taking necessary precautions against skin damage.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its slow ascent, starting from 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 1, and around 9:00 AM, it reaches 2, signaling the start of sun exposure for the day. The intensity escalates quickly, hitting 4 at 10:00 AM and soaring to a peak of 11 by noon. The sun's power doesn’t wane, maintaining a blistering 14 at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, before it begins to retreat. By late afternoon, the index drops to 12 at 3:00 PM, followed by a steady decline to 6 at 5:00 PM, 3 at 6:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during the mid-day hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows notable seasonal variations, peaking in the months from March to October. During this period, particularly from February to September, the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels, with burn times as short as 10 minutes. The highest recorded value occurs in April at 15, followed closely by March and May at 14. The months of January, November, and December have a very high UV Index (9-10) but with longer burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures to protect their skin, especially during the high-risk months when the UV Index exceeds 10. Wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM) are essential to minimize the risk of UV-related skin damage.
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 Anita | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 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 |