Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Maria, Philippines, where the tropical climate brings about high levels of ultraviolet radiation. With values peaking at 13 during midday hours, awareness of UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. As you enjoy the sunny beaches and outdoor activities that this vibrant region offers, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen becomes essential. Given Santa Maria's typical climate zone of Am, this knowledge helps mitigate risks associated with high UV exposure, ensuring you can safely soak up the sun without worry.
As the sun rises, the UV Index creeps up from a low of 2 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 7, signaling that sun protection is becoming essential. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, when the UV Index soars to 13, a reminder of the midday sun's strength. From 11:00 to 13:00, it remains elevated, hitting a maximum of 12 before it gradually declines to 9 by 14:00. The late afternoon sees a noticeable drop, as the UV levels fall to 3 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the index drops to 1 by 17:00, then fades to 0 by 19:00, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |