Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Catarina, Mexico, where the sun's powerful rays can pose significant health risks. With a climate characterized as BSk, the region experiences intense UV exposure, particularly during the mid-day hours when levels can peak at a daunting 15—a level where sunburn can occur in mere minutes. Awareness of these UV levels is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from its harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index climbs steadily, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and remaining low through the morning. However, by 10:00 AM, it escalates to a more noticeable 5. The peak intensity occurs at 1:00 PM, soaring to a scorching 15, signaling the most critical time for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually dips, settling back to 5 by 5:00 PM and decreasing to 1 again by 7:00 PM. Be sure to stay safe during the midday hours when UV exposure 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 9 | 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 | 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 Catarina | 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 |