Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Santa Ana, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in reducing long-term skin damage and the risk of skin cancer. With a warm Am climate that often sees high UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the index can soar to 13, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed choices about sun protection, ensuring your time outdoors remains enjoyable and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 during the early hours, indicating a low risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. By 09:00, it ramps up to 3, suggesting that some sun protection is advisable. The intensity peaks around 12:00 with a staggering 11, meaning it’s essential to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and cover up. As the afternoon unfolds, the index reaches its highest at 13 at 13:00 before gradually declining to 4 by 17:00. As the sun begins to set, the index falls back to 1 by 19:00, reminding us that while the midday sun can be fierce, the evening offers a much safer environment for outdoor activities. Stay sun-savvy throughout the day!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January to March, the UV Index escalates from 8 to 11, categorized as very high to extreme, with burn times decreasing to 10 minutes by March. The risk continues to rise, reaching a maximum of 13 from April through July, categorized as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In August and September, the index remains high at 12, before slightly tapering off in October with an index of 11. November sees a decrease to 9 (very high), while December's index drops to 7 (high), allowing for a longer burn time of 25 minutes. Given this data, visitors and residents should prioritize sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade, especially during high-risk months of March through October, to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 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 |