Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Barbara de La Cueva, Mexico, as it directly impacts sun safety and skin health. With peak UV levels soaring as high as 14 during the midday hours, awareness helps prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. This charming locale, characterized by a BSk climate, offers plenty of sunshine but also presents significant exposure risks, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when UV radiation is at its most intense. By staying informed about daily UV forecasts, you can better protect yourself and enjoy the vibrant outdoors of Santa Barbara de La Cueva safely.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index showcases a fascinating progression. Starting off at a gentle 0 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to a modest 1 by 8:00 AM. The intensity picks up at 9:00 AM, reaching 2, and then takes a notable leap to 5 by 10:00 AM. The sun reaches its peak at 12:00 PM, where the index soars to a striking 11, signaling a high level of ultraviolet radiation. This intensity escalates further, hitting an impressive 14 at 2:00 PM—the highest point of the day. As the afternoon transitions to evening, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 12 at 3:00 PM, then sliding to 9 at 4:00 PM, and finishing the day at a soft 1 by 7:00 PM. It's a reminder for everyone to stay protected under the sun, especially during those peak 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal changes, peaking during the late spring and summer months. From January to March, the index starts high but quickly escalates, reaching its maximum of 15 in both April and May. The months of February to October pose the highest risk, with an extreme exposure category, where the burn time is notably short at 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during these high-risk months, especially from February to October, and adopt protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. As we approach the fall and winter months, the UV risk decreases but remains notably high in November and December. It is essential to stay informed and protect your skin year-round.
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 |
| Santa Barbara de La Cueva | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 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 |