Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Catarina, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly in a Cfa climate zone. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 13 during midday, awareness of these numbers not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in safeguarding long-term skin health. As you enjoy the warm and inviting surroundings of Santa Catarina, keeping an eye on the UV Index can make all the difference in enjoying the sun safely, ensuring that your time outdoors remains both delightful and healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making the morning hours safe for outdoor activities. However, by 10:00, the index climbs to 5, heralding the midday sun's arrival. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 with a striking 11, reaching its zenith at 13:00 with an alarming 13. This is the time when sun protection becomes essential! As the afternoon wears on, the index begins to taper off, decreasing to 10 by 15:00 and gradually dropping to 4 by 17:00. The evening brings a return to calmer levels, settling back to 1 by 19:00. Remember to plan your outdoor activities wisely and protect your skin 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months being March through October. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 13, categorized as extreme, particularly from May to July, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. The risk remains high in August and September with an index of 12, followed by October at 11. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety, especially in these high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently. Conversely, the UV Index drops in the winter months, with December and January showing lower levels, although January and February still have very high ratings. Proper sun precautions are essential year-round to protect against skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Catarina | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| 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 |