Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly and consistently throughout the year. High UV levels, especially during peak hours, can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues, making awareness essential for everyone enjoying the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. With a tropical climate that often brings UV indexes soaring to 11 or 12 around midday, knowing how to protect yourself from harmful rays is vital for safeguarding your skin while basking in this sun-kissed paradise. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the stunning scenery that Santa Cruz has to offer!
Today’s UV Index presents a dynamic range of sunlight exposure, peaking dramatically during midday hours. Starting low at 1 around 07:00 and 08:00, the index begins to rise steadily, hitting 3 by 09:00. As the clock strikes 10:00, it surges to 6, but it’s the hours from 11:00 to 13:00 where caution is urged, peaking at a scorching 12 at 13:00. After this zenith, UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 9 at 15:00 and settling down to 1 by 18:00. Be sure to protect your skin during those high-index hours, particularly from 11:00 to 14:00 when UV radiation is at its most intense!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | 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 |