UV Index in Santa Monica, Mexico

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Santa Monica, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With high UV levels peaking during midday, even a brief exposure can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. The region’s tropical climate makes it essential to be aware of daily UV fluctuations—especially around noon when levels can reach a staggering 12 to 14—the highest on the scale. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can enjoy the beautiful sunshine safely while keeping your skin healthy and protected.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Monica

The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a notable rise, peaking at 14 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, which underscores the importance of sun protection during these hours. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the UV levels gradually ascend, reaching a moderate 5 by 10:00 AM. However, as the sun climbs higher, the intensity escalates, hitting a striking 12 at noon. The afternoon continues this trend with sustained values of 14 before beginning to taper off towards the evening, dropping back to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay informed and protect your skin, particularly during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM when UV exposure is highest.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santa Monica

The seasonal changes in UV exposure highlight critical periods for residents and visitors. From January to December, the UV Index fluctuates, peaking between March and June with values reaching up to 14, categorized as extreme. This indicates a burn time of just 10 minutes, urging individuals to exercise caution during these months. February through October remains high-risk, particularly with levels at 11 or higher. To ensure safety, it is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply SPF sunscreen frequently, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours, especially from spring through summer. In contrast, November and December experience a slight reduction, with UV Index scores of 9 and 8 categorizing them as very high but still warranting protective measures.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santa Monica, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Santa Monica. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Santa Monica, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Santa Monica UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santa Monica compares to other major locations across Mexico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Santa Monica's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mexico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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 Monica	9	11	13	14	13	14	14	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