Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for staying safe in Santa Cruz Ocotal, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly nearly year-round. With high UV levels peaking at an alarming 14 during midday, this resort town’s tropical climate presents a significant risk for sunburn and long-term skin damage, making awareness essential for both locals and visitors. By being informed about the current UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin and enjoy your time under the sun without compromising your health. Stay vigilant and learn how to beat the rays in this sun-drenched paradise!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00, promoting a relaxed morning outdoors. However, by 09:00, it climbs to 3, hinting at the day's potential. The real intensity hits at 11:00, peaking at a striking 9, reaching a maximum of 13 by noon. The afternoon is when sun protection becomes crucial, as the UV Index remains at an impressive 14 from 13:00 to 14:00. As the day winds down, it gracefully declines to 12 at 15:00 before gradually tapering off to 5 by 17:00 and settling back to 1 by 19:00. It's a reminder to embrace the sun wisely 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | 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 |