Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Santa Maria la Alta, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the peak UV levels reaching a staggering 15 around midday, understanding these fluctuations can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. The town's Cwb climate offers a unique combination of temperate conditions, but it doesn’t shield residents and visitors from intense UV exposure, especially during the hottest hours. Being aware of the UV Index allows you to plan your outdoor activities wisely, ensuring a safer, sun-smart experience under the vibrant Mexican sun.
The UV Index today presents a clear picture of the sun's intensity as it rises throughout the day. Starting softly at 1 during the early hours (07:00 and 08:00), it quickly escalates to 3 by 09:00. The highest point arrives at 12:00, peaking at a striking 13. The heat continues to climb, reaching its zenith with a 15 at both 13:00 and 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 9 by 16:00, then further to 6 at 17:00. Finally, as evening approaches, the index tapers off to 1 by 19:00, marking a sharp decline in UV exposure. It's a day to more than just enjoy the sun—protective measures are essential in the 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with particularly high levels from February to September, where it consistently reaches extreme levels. The highest recorded UV Index occurs in March, April, May, June, and July at 15, signaling a 10-minute burn time for exposed skin. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during these months, taking precautions to protect their skin from potential sunburn and long-term damage. January, November, and December experience slightly lower UV Index values of 10 and 9, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Regardless of the month, it is advisable to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses to ensure safety from harmful UV exposure throughout the year.
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 Maria la Alta | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |