Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Santa Cruz Acatepec, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the daily UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risks of skin damage. With a Cfa climate that often exposes residents to intense sunlight, particularly during midday hours—when the UV Index peaks at a striking 14—it's crucial to take appropriate precautions. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity, peaking dramatically around noon. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gently climbs to 3 by 9:00 AM, before hitting a striking 6 at 10:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the UV Index reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM with a blistering score of 12, and then surges to a peak of 14 by 1:00 PM. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 11 at 3:00 PM and further declining to 4 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, a safe 2 is reached by 6:00 PM, and the day ends with a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a clear reminder to stay protected during the peak hours when the sun’s rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months. From January to March, the index is relatively high, with values reaching up to 9 in January but climbing to an extreme 14 by April through July. February and March pose particular risks, with extreme levels and burn times as short as 10 minutes. The summer months of June and July maintain this extreme index, while August and September see a slight decrease but remain at 13. As October approaches, the UV Index remains critical at 12, transitioning to safer levels in November and December with values of 10 and 8, respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months, particularly from February to October, by wearing appropriate sun protection, seeking shade, and limiting sun exposure to avoid skin damage.
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 Cruz Acatepec | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 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 |