Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Santa Maria Cortijo, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With its tropical climate characterized by high sun exposure, awareness of UV levels can significantly reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, especially around noon, the UV Index surges to 13, indicating extreme risk; this highlights the importance of taking precautions when enjoying the outdoors. By staying informed about daily UV forecasts, residents and visitors can ensure they prioritize their skin health throughout the year.
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 |
The seasonal UV changes indicate that the months of January through October present the highest risks for sun exposure, with February to June being particularly critical, showcasing a UV Index ranging from 11 to 14 and an extreme exposure category. Notably, May and June maintain the peak UV Index of 14, and the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes across these high-risk months. As autumn approaches, October remains a month of caution, featuring an UV Index of 11 before a gradual decline into the winter months, where November and December drop to 9 and 8, respectively. Residents and visitors should take proactive measures during these high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria Cortijo | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| 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 |