Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Santa Cruz Zenzontepec, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day not only aids in sunburn prevention but also supports long-term skin health, helping residents and visitors alike to enjoy the sun safely. Given the town's Aw climate, which features sunny, warm days, the risk of high UV exposure is significant, particularly during peak hours when values can soar to 14. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful Mexican sun while safeguarding your skin!
The UV Index shows a striking pattern as the day unfolds, starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, it gains intensity, peaking at 12:00 with a significant 12. The afternoon brings the highest levels, reaching a robust 14 at both 13:00 and 14:00, suggesting it's crucial to take precautions during these hours. The intensity then gradually declines, dwindling to 8 by 16:00, falling to 5 at 17:00, and returning to a mild 1 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety in the midday hours, where exposure can be dangerous without protective measures.
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from February through September. During these months, particularly from March to June, the index reaches an extreme level of 14. This indicates a high risk for sunburn, with a minimal exposure burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying high-SPF sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. As the year progresses into October and returns to November and December, the UV Index decreases to 12 and 10, respectively, still presenting a very high risk, but with slightly longer burn times of 10 to 15 minutes. Awareness and protection remain crucial, even in the cooler months.
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 Zenzontepec | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| 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 |