Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Cruz, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly nearly year-round. By being aware of the UV levels, you can effectively protect yourself from harmful sun exposure, minimizing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Santa Cruz's warm tropical climate, typical UV levels can reach a staggering 12 or higher around midday, making it essential to take precautions, especially between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. Staying informed about the UV Index empowers you to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin health.
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise in sun exposure as the day progresses. Starting at 7:00 AM with a mild value of 1, the index climbs steadily to reach 4 by 9:00 AM. However, it's around 11:00 AM that the UV radiation peaks at 10, escalating further to a maximum of 12 at noon. The sun’s intensity continues to be fierce, reaching a high of 13 by 1:00 PM before gradually tapering off. From 2:00 PM, the index starts its descent, hovering at 12 and then dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon transitions into evening, the UV levels diminish significantly, resting at 1 by 7:00 PM. For anyone spending time outdoors, taking precautions during the peak hours is crucial to ensure safety from harmful UV rays.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, highlighting the importance of sun safety for both visitors and residents. The high-risk months for UV exposure are February to October, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 13 in April and May, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. Even in November, the UV Index remains at a very high level of 8, necessitating caution. To mitigate the risks of overexposure, it is essential to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen, especially during these peak months when the potential for skin damage is greatest. Remember, while January and December show lower UV levels, maintaining sun safety habits year-round is advisable.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
| Guadalajara UVI | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |