Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Santa Cruz, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for anyone enjoying the sun-soaked climate. With high UV levels peaking around noon, awareness of these levels helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin health issues. The city's BSk climate brings not only warm sunny days but also significant exposure risks, especially during summer months. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to shield yourself from harmful rays and enjoy all that Santa Cruz has to offer safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00 AM. By 08:00 AM, it increases to 3, indicating a slight uptick in UV exposure. The intensity escalates rapidly, peaking at 12 between 12:00 PM and 01:00 PM, suggesting the need for sun protection is at its utmost. The index then begins to decline, dropping to 10 by 02:00 PM and gradually easing to 5 by 04:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV levels fall back to 1 by 06:00 PM, marking a significant reduction in sun intensity. This hourly data highlights the critical midday hours where caution is essential, as the sun can be particularly harsh. Be sure to enjoy the sunshine while staying protected!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with higher intensity noted from February to September. The highest risk months are April to September, where the UV Index peaks at 12 to 13 and the potential burn time shortens to just 10 minutes. Notably, February and March also present higher risk levels, with an index of 8 and 10, respectively. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade, particularly during midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak. In contrast, January, November, and December offer moderate exposure, with burn times of 30 min or more, although protection is still advisable.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| 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 |