Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Cruz Monterrosas, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region’s Cwb climate, the sun can be deceptively intense, especially during midday hours when UV levels peak, reaching as high as 15 around noon. Being aware of these fluctuations is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for reducing the risk of long-term skin damage and conditions like skin cancer. With typical exposure risks in mind, residents and visitors alike can take proactive measures against harmful UV rays and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery safely.
The UV Index data paints a vibrant picture of sunlight intensity throughout the day. Beginning with a mild UVI of 1 at 7:00 AM, the day starts gently, gradually climbing to 3 by 9:00 AM. However, as the sun reaches its zenith, the UVI skyrockets, peaking at an intense 15 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. During these hours, it's crucial to take protective measures against harmful UV rays. As the sun begins to set, the index dips, dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM and returning to a safer 1 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation highlights the importance of staying sun-smart during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the UVI 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 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | 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 |
The seasonal UV changes indicate that residents and visitors should be especially cautious from February through October, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 13 to 15, implying a burn time as short as 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure include March through September, where the UV Index remains at 15 for the longest stretch. As such, individuals are strongly advised to protect their skin during these months by wearing appropriate clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. In contrast, January and December present slightly lower risks with a UV Index of 10 and 9, providing a bit more leeway, though protection is still essential. Seasonal awareness of UV levels ensures healthier and safer outdoor experiences for everyone.
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 Cruz Monterrosas | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 |