Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Maria Poniente, Mexico is crucial for anyone looking to protect their skin while enjoying the sun. With maximum UV levels peaking at 13 during midday, being aware of the UV Index can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. Santa Maria Poniente's warm, temperate climate means residents and visitors often bask in strong sunlight, making it essential to stay informed about UV exposure risks. By monitoring UV levels, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin against harmful effects while making the most of the beautiful weather this vibrant region has to offer.
The UV Index for today reveals a striking pattern of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting at 7:00 AM, the index is a modest 1, but as the sun rises, so does the intensity—by 10:00 AM, it skyrockets to 7. The peak arrives at noon and 1:00 PM with a blistering 13, indicating a crucial time to protect your skin. As the afternoon progresses, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the index remains high but begins to taper off, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM. The gentle decline continues into the evening, with UV levels plummeting to 1 by 6:00 PM and holding steady until sunset. Be mindful of the midday sun—it’s when the rays are most potent and protection is essential.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily occurring from February to October. During this period, the UV Index consistently reaches an extreme level of 11 to 13, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes. This heightened exposure necessitates vigilant sun protection measures, including the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. January, November, and December see a decrease in UV levels, yet caution is still advised, as the UV Index remains in the very high range (8 to 9), with burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to remain aware of the UV Index and take proactive steps to safeguard their skin year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria Poniente | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| 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 |