Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Cruz, Mexico, a region bathed in sunshine and characterized by its BSh climate. High UV levels, particularly during the peak hours of 10 AM to 4 PM, can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues, making it essential to monitor these levels. With indices reaching as high as 13 during midday, awareness of UV exposure risks is vital for enjoying the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities without compromising your skin's safety. Stay informed and protect yourself as you soak up the sun in this vibrant coastal paradise!
The UV Index provides a clear picture of sun intensity throughout the day. In the early morning hours, from 07:00 to 09:00, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1. As the clock strikes 10:00, the intensity begins to rise, hitting 5, and then surging to 9 by 11:00. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00, with a striking 12 on the UV scale. The afternoon continues to see peak levels with 13 at both 13:00 and 14:00, urging caution for outdoor activities. A gradual decline follows, with values dropping to 9 at 16:00, and winding down to 6, 3, and finally back to 1 by 19:00. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection, particularly during the midday hours when UV radiation 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | 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 shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from March to October, indicating a period of extreme exposure risk. Notably, the months of April, May, July, and August exhibit a maximum UV Index of 14, where individuals may burn within just 10 minutes of sun exposure. In contrast, the winter months show a decline, with January and February classified as very high (UV Index of 8 and 10, burn time of 15 minutes), and December indicating a high risk (UV Index of 7, burn time of 25 minutes). To protect themselves, visitors and residents should take precautions such as seeking shade, applying sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing during the high-risk months of March through October, especially during midday when the sun's rays are most intense.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 |
| 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 |