Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Barbara, Mexico, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks to skin health. With a BSh climate, this region experiences high temperatures and strong sunlight, particularly during midday when UV levels peak. Awareness of these UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage by enabling informed choices about sun protection. Between mid-morning and early afternoon, the UV Index soars to dangerous heights, reaching as high as 15—a reminder that even on seemingly mild days, proactive measures are essential for safeguarding your skin. Stay educated, stay protected!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins to soar, starting at a low 0 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it inches up to 1, signaling the gradual approach of stronger sunlight. The 9:00 AM hour sees a modest rise to 2, but it’s really by 10:00 AM that we experience a significant jump to 5, hinting at more intense UV exposure. The peak arrives around 1:00 PM, where the index reaches a striking 14, just before maxing out at 15 by 2:00 PM—the perfect time to seek shade or sunscreen! After this towering high, the figures begin to retreat, dropping to 10 at 4:00 PM, and winding down to 3 by the evening hours at 6:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV index falls to 1 at 7:00 PM, allowing for a gentle end to the day’s sunbathing adventures. Remember—protect your skin during those 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 | 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 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 10 | 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, seasonal UV changes reveal a peak during the late spring and summer months, with the highest UV Index occurring in May at 15 and consistently remaining extreme from February through September, where the burn time is particularly short at just 10 minutes. High-risk months include February to May, as well as June to September, where residents and visitors should exercise caution. It is crucial to protect your skin during these periods, especially from February to April, when even brief exposure can lead to serious sunburn. Advice for residents and visitors is to wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, seek shade during peak sun hours, and remain vigilant about UV levels, particularly in the extreme exposure category months. As the year transitions into November and December, while UV levels decrease to very high and high, it remains important to continue practicing sun safety.
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 Barbara | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 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 |