Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz Papalutla, Mexico, where the intense Cwb climate can significantly impact skin health. With UV levels peaking at a hazardous 15 around midday, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. By knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Stay informed about daily UV exposure risks to make the most of your time in this sunny region!
The UV Index data paints a vibrant picture of sunlight intensity throughout the day. Beginning with a mild UVI of 1 at 7:00 AM, the day starts gently, gradually climbing to 3 by 9:00 AM. However, as the sun reaches its zenith, the UVI skyrockets, peaking at an intense 15 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. During these hours, it's crucial to take protective measures against harmful UV rays. As the sun begins to set, the index dips, dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM and returning to a safer 1 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation highlights the importance of staying sun-smart during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the UVI is at its highest.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits a notable seasonal pattern, peaking during the warmer months from March to October, where values consistently remain in the extreme category (UV Index 14-15). The highest UV levels are recorded in April, May, June, and July, maintaining an extreme classification and a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, January and December experience very high UV levels but with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Based on this data, the high-risk months for UV exposure are clearly March through November, especially from April to August. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during these months—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours—to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term 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 |
| 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 |
| Santa Cruz Papalutla | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 |