Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Maria Chico Ometepec, Mexico, where the warm, tropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With peak UV levels often reaching 11 or higher in the midday sun, being aware of UV intensity is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. By monitoring UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself, enjoy outdoor activities safely, and embrace the beauty of this vibrant community without jeopardizing your well-being. Whether you're hiking in the lush surroundings or relaxing outdoors, knowing the UV Index empowers you to make informed choices about sun protection.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it gains momentum, reaching 1, and continues to climb steadily. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 PM, hitting a blistering 11, with the highest point recorded at 1:00 PM, marked at 13. This level signals a critical time for sun protection, as it remains at 13 until 2:00 PM. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the UV Index tapering off to 11 at 3:00 PM, before further dropping to 8 by 4:00 PM. By evening, the intensity diminishes significantly, settling to 2 at 6:00 PM and finally returning to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. It's a vivid reminder of how crucial it is to stay vigilant about sun safety during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | 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 |
Seasonal variations in UV exposure highlight significant changes throughout the year, particularly from January to October, when the UV Index reaches its peak. The highest risk months are March to June, characterized as extreme with a UV Index of 13 to 14 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. As visitors and residents engage in outdoor activities during these months, it is crucial to take protective measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during midday hours. Conversely, November and December see a drop in the UV Index to 9 and 8, respectively, reflecting a transition back to a very high exposure category; however, vigilance remains important as burn times extend to 15 minutes. This seasonal UV landscape serves as a reminder to stay informed and proactively protect skin health throughout the year.
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 Maria Chico Ometepec | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 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 |