Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Santa Maria del Mar, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With sunburn risk soaring during peak hours—especially when the UV Index hits a staggering 14 around noon—understanding these levels can empower you to take proactive measures against harmful UV radiation. This coastal paradise, characterized by its tropical climate, often sees high UV exposure, making it essential to stay informed and protected, ensuring enjoyable and safe days in the sun. Whether you're soaking up rays on the beach or taking part in outdoor activities, keeping an eye on the UV Index can help you enjoy the beauty of Santa Maria del Mar while minimizing the risks to your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity, peaking dramatically around noon. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gently climbs to 3 by 9:00 AM, before hitting a striking 6 at 10:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the UV Index reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM with a blistering score of 12, and then surges to a peak of 14 by 1:00 PM. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 11 at 3:00 PM and further declining to 4 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, a safe 2 is reached by 6:00 PM, and the day ends with a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a clear reminder to stay protected during the peak hours when the sun’s rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, with the highest readings observed from February to October, peaking in July at a UV Index of 14, categorized as extreme. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these high-risk months, especially between February and October, where the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. The months of January, November, and December see lower UV levels, with indexes of 9, 10, and 8 respectively, but still fall into the very high exposure category. To ensure safety and minimize skin damage, it is advised to limit sun exposure during peak hours, seek shade, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, especially during the extreme UV Index 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 Maria del Mar | 9 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |