Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Maria Petatengo, Mexico is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if not taken seriously. In this climate, characterized by its warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure risks, especially during the midday hours when the index peaks. With values soaring to 14 around noon, staying informed about UV levels can help you enjoy the sun responsibly while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and remains low until 9:00 AM, when it escalates to 3. The real intensity kicks in around 10:00 AM, reaching 5, and the index climbs dramatically as the day progresses. By 12:00 PM, it peaks at a scorching 12, and an impressive 14 is recorded at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The sun starts to wane after that, with the index gradually dipping to 8 by 4:00 PM, before descending to a gentle 2 by 6:00 PM. The day concludes with a return to a low 1 at 7:00 PM, making it clear that midday sun poses the greatest danger – a reminder of the importance of sun protection during those peak 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking from March through September with values consistently at 13-14, classified as extreme exposure. The highest risk months are from February to September, where the burn time is notably reduced to just 10 minutes. As we move into the tail end of the year, October sees a slight decrease to an index of 12, followed by November and December, which drop to 10 and 9, respectively, categorized as very high with a longer 15-minute burn time. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take appropriate precautions during the high UV months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Santa Maria Petatengo | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| 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 |