Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santo Tomas, Mexico is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking at a striking 13 during midday, awareness can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Santo Tomas, located in a Cwa climate zone, experiences significant sun exposure, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about UV fluctuations throughout the day. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful sun-soaked days while taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin's health.
The UV index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern, starting from a low 0 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbing as the sun rises. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 4, signaling the start of potential sun sensitivity. As noon approaches, the intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 PM with a UV index of 10, which is considered very high, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take protective measures. The afternoon hours continue to show significant UV levels, with a maximum of 13 at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, before slowly tapering off in the later afternoon and evening, dropping back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of sun safety, especially during the midday hours when UV exposure poses the greatest risk.
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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 13 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the most intense exposure occurring from February to October, where the index frequently reaches extreme levels between 11 and 14. High-risk months for UV exposure are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October, with burn times as low as 10 minutes during peak index times. To ensure safety, both visitors and residents should be vigilant during these months, wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with a high SPF, and seeking shade whenever possible—especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun's rays are the strongest. As the UV index drops in November and December, the risk lessens, but individuals should continue to take precautions, as the index remains in the very high category.
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 |
Santo Tomas | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |