Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the sunny paradise of Licenciado Luis Echeverria Alvarez (Playa Santa), awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and enjoying the outdoors safely. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly under the intense Mexican sun, where UV exposure can soar to a maximum of 14 during peak hours. With its warm climate and ample sunshine, Playa Santa presents unique risks that make it imperative for locals and visitors alike to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Stay savvy about the UV Index and safeguard your health while soaking up the beauty of this coastal haven!
The UV Index throughout the day starts off gently, with maximum values of 1 at 7:00 and 8:00, suggesting a safe time for those sensitive to sunlight. As the sun rises higher, the index escalates rapidly, peaking at 14 around 1:00 PM—a cautionary signal for outdoor activities. The intensity slightly dips afterwards, with values maintaining around 10 to 13 from 11:00 to 14:00, before gradually descending in the afternoon. By 5:00 PM, the index lowers to 4, offering a more manageable environment once again. As evening approaches, the UV index returns to a minimal 1 by 7:00 PM, marking the end of a day characterized by a significant solar intensity and the need for sun protection during peak hours.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk occurring from February to October, where the index is consistently categorized as extreme. The high-risk months are typically from March to July, peaking at 14, which indicates a burn time of only 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December see a slight reduction in UV exposure, categorized as very high, where the burn time increases to 15 minutes. As a result, visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the extreme months by using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, particularly during midday hours when UV rays are strongest. Being sun-smart is essential to safeguard against harmful sun exposure and its associated risks.
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 |
| Licenciado Luis Echeverria Alvarez (Playa Santa) | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 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 |