Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Santa Maria Huatulco, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels can help you effectively prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health, especially in a region known for its tropical climate and abundant sunshine. During the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the UV Index soars, reaching dangerously high levels, with values peaking at 13. With such intense UV exposure, being proactive in your sun protection strategy is essential for enjoying the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities this stunning area has to offer.
During the day, the UV Index saw a notable increase, peaking at 13 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning hours started off low, with values of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, gradually rising to 5 by 10:00 AM. As the sun reached its zenith, the UVI soared to 11 at 12:00 PM and 8 by 4:00 PM. As the afternoon faded, the index declined, dropping to 4 at 5:00 PM and below 3 after 6:00 PM, returning to 1 by 7:00 PM. To enjoy the sun safely, it’s crucial to stay protected, especially during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking in the spring and summer months. From January to February, the UV Index rises from 10 to 11 and remains in the extreme category through to October, reaching a maximum of 14 in April, May, and June. Notably, March through October are particularly high-risk months for UV exposure, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Conversely, as the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index decreases to 10 and 9, indicating a return to the very high category, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take preventative measures by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours, especially during the high-risk months of March through October.
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 Huatulco | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |