Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Santa Maria, Philippines, where the tropical climate brings about significant sun exposure. By knowing the UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, which can cause painful sunburns and increase the risk of skin cancer. With peak UV levels soaring to 14 around midday, it's essential to be aware of your sun safety practices throughout the day. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking in the sun, being informed about the UV Index can help safeguard your skin health against the unique risks presented by Santa Maria's sunny disposition.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dynamic rise and fall, peaking in the early afternoon. From a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, the index escalates to 11 by 10:00 AM, reaching its zenith of 14 at 12:00 PM. This is the point to be cautious; between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM with values of 13 and 12 respectively, the midday sun is at its strongest. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index declines, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM, and continuing to diminish to 6 by 3:00 PM. The evening brings a welcome relief, with readings falling to 1 by both 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and finally settling at 0 as the day fades into night. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal variation, with the highest values occurring from January to September, where it consistently ranks as extreme with an index ranging from 11 to 15 and a rapid burn time of only 10 minutes. The months of March and April boast the peak UV Index of 15, indicating the highest risk for sunburn. Following this, the months of November and December show a slight decrease to a very high category with an index of 10 and a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from January through September, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Caloocan City UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Quezon City UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Manila UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Budta UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
| Davao UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 |