Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Maria Zapotitlan, Mexico, is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful UV radiation. Being aware of UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful outdoor activities that this vibrant region offers. With a tropical wet and dry climate, Santa Maria Zapotitlan experiences periods of intense sunlight, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the UV index spikes to a maximum of 14. Stay informed and take proactive measures to protect yourself from UV exposure during these peak hours!
The UV Index reveals a dynamic progression throughout the day, beginning with a gentle rise at 07:00 and 08:00 where it remains low at 1. By 09:00, it escalates to 3, but the real intensity hits its peak between 11:00 and 13:00, soaring to a staggering 13 and hitting a maximum of 14 at 13:00. As the sun begins its descent, the index drops gradually, falling to 11 by 15:00, then retreating to 8 at 16:00. As the evening approaches, the UV Index continues its decline, settling at 2 by 18:00 and finally resting at a mere 1 by 19:00. This hourly fluctuation underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00, when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 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 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 |
| Santa Maria Zapotitlan | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 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 |