Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Emilio Carranza (Santa Cruz), Mexico, where the climate can expose individuals to varying levels of UV radiation throughout the day. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 15 during midday hours, awareness of these numbers helps prevent sunburn and promotes long-term skin health. The unique climate of this region, characterized as Cfb, brings with it both beautiful days and increased UV exposure risks, making it essential to stay informed and protect your skin while enjoying the great outdoors.
The UV index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun exposure. Starting slow at 07:00 and 08:00 with low readings of 1, it quickly ramps up. By 09:00, the index reaches 3, signaling a gentle rise in sun intensity. Things heat up significantly at 10:00 with a dramatic jump to 6, before peaking at a scorching 15 between 13:00 and 14:00. With the sun at its zenith around 12:00, the index hits a staggering 13, urging caution for outdoor plans. Gradually, the UV levels begin to decline post-14:00, settling back to a safe 3 by 18:00 and a cool 1 by 19:00. Always remember to protect your skin during those critical midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 9 | 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 Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months typically from February to October. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 15, categorized as extreme, particularly from April to July, necessitating vigilant sun safety measures. In these months, the burn time is only 10 minutes, indicating a critical need for protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Conversely, November and December see a decrease in UV exposure, categorized as very high, with a lengthened burn time of 15 minutes in those months. Therefore, both visitors and residents are strongly advised to monitor UV levels regularly and take necessary precautions, especially during the warmer, sunnier months 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 |
| 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 |
| Emilio Carranza (Santa Cruz) | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |