Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz el Grande, Mexico, where the sun can be intense. Knowing the UV levels helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing for safe enjoyment of outdoor activities. With a climate classified as Cwa, this charming town experiences significant UV exposure, especially between noon and 2 PM, when the index peaks at a staggering 14. Staying informed about the UV Index not only promotes skin health but also enhances overall well-being in this vibrant region.
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 exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking during the spring and summer months. From February through August, the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels (11-14), with the highest values recorded in March, April, May, and August. Notably, October also remains at an extreme level (12), indicating potential for harmful UV exposure. The high-risk months for UV exposure are thus identified as February through August, where the advised burn time is only 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December present lower UV levels (with indices of 9 and 8), classified as very high, allowing for a slightly longer exposure time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV hours, particularly from late winter through summer.
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 Cruz el Grande | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 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 |