Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Maria del Oro, Mexico, a region renowned for its vibrant climate and stunning landscapes. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, particularly when daily exposure can peak with alarming intensity. During the warmest hours, especially from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar as high as 14, presenting significant risks for unprotected skin. With Santa Maria del Oro's Csa climate, characterized by warm, sunny days, knowing the UV Index empowers individuals to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing potential damage from the sun's rays.
The hourly UV Index gives a clear picture of sun intensity throughout the day. Beginning at 07:00, the UV Index starts low at 1, gradually increasing to 2 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, it reaches 4 at 09:00 and spikes to a peak of 14 by 13:00, indicating a very high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity begins to taper off after 14:00, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and further decreasing to 3 by 17:00. Finally, as the day winds down, the UV Index returns to a safe level of 1 by 18:00 and remains there into the evening. Be sure to protect your skin, especially during the peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with particularly high levels from February to October. The highest risk months are March through June, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 13 to 14, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. During these months, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions against UV exposure by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. The risk decreases in November and December, with UV levels falling back to very high and high categories, allowing for longer exposure times of 15 to 25 minutes before burning occurs. Overall, awareness and proactive measures during high-risk months are essential to ensure skin safety throughout the changing seasons.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria del Oro | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 |
| 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 |