Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the sunny coastal town of Santa Barbara, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. As a region with a BSk climate, Santa Barbara enjoys bright sunshine throughout the year, but this also means higher risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive steps to protect yourself during peak hours, especially when the index reaches its highest levels of 12 and 14 between noon and 2 PM. By monitoring the UV Index, you can ensure your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable while preventing harmful effects on your skin.
Today’s UV Index shows a dramatic rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually increases, reaching a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. As the clock strikes 11:00 AM, the UV Index peaks at an intense 12, marking a crucial time for sun safety. The highest reading occurs between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it reaches an exhilarating 14. As the day progresses, the UV levels begin to wane, dropping to 6 by 5:00 PM and eventually settling back to a 1 by 7:00 PM. Make sure to stay protected during the peak hours when the sun is at its strongest!
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 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with high-risk months from February to October, exhibiting consistently extreme UV Index levels between 11 to 15. Particularly, March to May stand out with the highest index of 15 in May, demanding vigilant sun protection with a minimum burn time of just 10 minutes. As winter approaches, January and February still pose a very high to extreme risk, while November and December see a decrease to very high, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to utilize broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during peak UV times, ensuring safety from harmful sun exposure.
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 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 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 |