Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz Ocotal, Mexico, where the tropical climate brings high levels of ultraviolet radiation year-round. With peak UV readings soaring to 13 during midday, awareness of these levels is essential to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious skin issues, making it important to stay informed. Whether you're soaking up the sun or enjoying outdoor activities, understanding UV exposure risks in this sunny paradise can help you stay safe and enjoy everything Santa Cruz Ocotal has to offer!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins modestly at 1 between 07:00 and 08:00, signaling a gentle start to the day. However, by 09:00, it's on the rise to 3, hinting at the increasing intensity of UV radiation. The midday hours see a dramatic surge, peaking at a scorching 13 by 13:00. This period between 11:00 and 14:00 is particularly critical, with values soaring to 9 and 12, urging caution for outdoor activities. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually retreats, dropping to 11 at 15:00 and then declining further to 4 by 17:00, indicating a safe return to outdoor pursuits as evening approaches. The UV risk diminishes significantly by 18:00, resting at 2, before settling back to 1 as dusk falls. Stay sun smart and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, peaking during the late spring and summer months. From February to October, the UV index consistently remains in the extreme category, with the highest readings in April, May, June, and July, all reaching a UV index of 14 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. As such, March through October is deemed the high-risk period for skin damage and sunburn. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade—especially during midday hours—to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure. In contrast, November and December see a decrease in UV levels, transitioning to a very high category, but it’s still important to stay vigilant as burn times extend to 15 minutes.
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 Ocotal | 9 | 12 | 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 |