Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Maria Papalo, Mexico, awareness of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin against the sun's harmful rays. With peak UV levels reaching a striking 14 between noon and 2 PM, understanding these fluctuations is crucial for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. This region boasts a pleasant Cwb climate, but don’t let its beauty distract you from the heightened risks of UV exposure, particularly during the sunniest hours. Stay informed and enjoy the outdoors safely!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear picture of sunlight intensity and its potential risk. Early risers at 07:00 and 08:00 will experience a mild index of 1, indicating minimal UV exposure. However, a notable increase begins at 09:00 with a jump to 3, suggesting that protective measures like sunscreen and hats should be considered. The UV levels peak dramatically from 11:00 to 14:00, reaching an intense 14 at 13:00—a clear alert for anyone planning outdoor activities to take ample precautions. As the afternoon transitions, the UV Index starts to decline, dropping to 5 by 17:00 and returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's essential to stay informed and protect your skin during those solar zenith hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels vary significantly, with the highest risks occurring from February to October. During these months, the UV Index frequently reaches extreme levels, peaking at 15 in April through July, meaning that a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen liberally. Notably, January and November see a slightly lower UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, resulting in a burn time of 15 minutes. The least intense UV levels occur in December with an index of 9, but vigilance is still advised. Overall, awareness and proactive sun protection are essential to prevent harmful effects from UV radiation 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 |
| 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 |
| Santa Maria Papalo | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |