Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Santa Cruz Hidalgo, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding these UV levels can help residents and visitors alike protect themselves from the harmful effects of intense sunlight. With a hot semi-arid climate, Santa Cruz experiences typically high UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks. For example, the UV Index reaches a remarkable 13 between 1 PM and 3 PM, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin and enjoy the beautiful, sunny days that Santa Cruz has to offer.
The UV Index for the day presents a dynamic trajectory, peaking sharply around midday. Starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, it gently rises to 3 by 9:00 AM. The intensity reaches high levels as it climbs to 5 at 10:00 AM, before surging to a staggering 12 by noon, indicating an increased risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The index continues to soar, hitting its zenith at 13 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Fortunately, a gradual decline begins in the late afternoon, lowering to 7 by 4:00 PM, and easing further to a 2 at 6:00 PM before tapering off to 1 by 7:00 PM. Sun safety is crucial during those peak hours, so stay protected and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 varies significantly throughout the year, with the most intense levels occurring from February to October. The months of February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October are classified in the extreme exposure category, with a UV Index peak of 13 during these months, resulting in a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. Conversely, January and November present a very high risk with a UV Index of 8 and 9 respectively, where burn times stretch to 15 minutes. By December, the UV risks reduce to high, with a burn time of 25 minutes. Residents and visitors should take special precautions during the high-risk months, including using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially from noon to 4 PM when the sun’s rays are strongest. Staying informed and prepared is essential to enjoy the outdoors safely.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz Hidalgo | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |