Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Santa Teresa, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in this tropical paradise where sun exposure can be intense. With a climate that often features high UV readings—peaking at a staggering 14 around midday—it's essential to arm yourself with knowledge to enjoy the sun responsibly. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can bask in the beauty of Santa Teresa while protecting your skin from its harsh effects.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from February to October, where the UV Index consistently falls within the extreme range (11-14) for most of that period. During these months, minimal exposure times to sunlight can lead to skin damage, with recommended burn times as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during these peak months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade whenever possible. In contrast, November and December present lower risks, with UV indices dropping to very high and high, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of up to 25 minutes in December. Overall, staying vigilant about UV levels year-round is essential for skin health and safety.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Teresa | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 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 |