Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Maria de los Angeles, Mexico, where the climate in the Cwb zone brings unique sun exposure risks. With peak UV levels soaring to 13 during midday, awareness of these readings can play a vital role in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself during those intense hours of sunshine, ensuring that your outdoor experiences remain safe and enjoyable.
The UV Index reveals a dramatic rise in solar intensity as the day progresses. Starting at a low value of 0 at 7:00 AM, it gently climbs to 1 by 8:00 AM. However, by 10:00 AM, the index surges to 5, signaling the onset of midday sun. The peak intensity is reached between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where the UV Index hits a remarkable 13, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines, dropping to 9 by 4:00 PM and tapering down to 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data serves as a crucial reminder to stay protected during those peak hours, especially when the UV Index 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
During the year, the UV Index shows notable seasonal changes, with highest UV levels occurring from February through October. The months of March, April, May, June, July, August, and September consistently fall within the extreme exposure category, peaking at 15 in April. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these high-risk months, as the burn time is as little as 10 minutes during this period. It is advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn. In contrast, November and December see a decrease in UV levels, categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes, suggesting a slight but essential drop in overall sun exposure risk as the year comes to a close.
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 Maria de los Angeles | 10 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 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 |