Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Elena de la Cruz, Mexico, where the climate zone (Cwb) brings both beautiful weather and significant UV exposure risks. Knowledge of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and promotes better skin health, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely. With peak UV Index readings reaching as high as 14 between 1 PM and 2 PM, it's essential to be vigilant about sun protection during these hours. Whether you're lounging outdoors or exploring the area's stunning landscapes, being UV aware can safeguard your skin and enhance your overall well-being.
The UV Index today shows a dramatic rise in solar intensity as the day progresses. Starting from a mild 0 at 7:00 AM, it gently increases to 1 by 8:00 AM. But as the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the index skyrockets to 5, reaching a peak of 14 by 1:00 PM and holding steady until 2:00 PM. The afternoon brings a noticeable decline, dropping to 12 at 3:00 PM and gradually tapering off to 5 by 5:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, the UV levels fall to 3, finally settling at a safe 1 as the sun begins to set at 7:00 PM. Be cautious during peak hours when the UV Index soars—a perfect reminder to protect your skin!
| 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 | 8 | 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 Elena de la Cruz | 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 |