UV Index in Santa Cruz, Philippines

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Cruz, Philippines, where the tropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure throughout the year. With UV levels peaking around midday, awareness of these measurements is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. The UV Index can climb exceptionally high, reaching values of 14 during peak hours, posing risks that should not be underestimated. By being informed, you can enjoy the beautiful sun-drenched beaches of Santa Cruz while protecting yourself from harmful UV rays.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Cruz

The UV Index reveals a dramatic rise in sunlight intensity throughout the morning, peaking at an impressive 14 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. This indicates a time when sun protection is vital, especially as it climbs swiftly from 2 at 07:00 AM to reach 8 by 09:00 AM, illustrating the day’s rapid increase in UV exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline, dropping to 5 at 3:00 PM before diminishing further to 1 by 5:00 PM and finally reaching 0 after 6:00 PM. Thus, the midday hours present the highest risk, calling for caution and proper sun safety measures!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	14	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	5	moderate	30 min
16:00	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santa Cruz

The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme exposure levels noted from January to November, and a slight decrease in December. The highest readings occur from March to April, peaking at UV Index 17, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes. February and September also show notable highs at 14 and 15 respectively. To protect against severe sunburn and long-term skin damage, visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, particularly from March to October. Wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak hours are essential practices to ensure safety in such extreme UV conditions.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santa Cruz, Philippines

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Santa Cruz. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Santa Cruz, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Santa Cruz UV Index with Other Philippines Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santa Cruz compares to other major locations across Philippines. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Santa Cruz's solar exposure compared to other cities in Philippines. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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
Santa Cruz	13	14	16	17	14	14	14	14	15	14	12	11
Davao UVI	13	15	16	15	15	13	14	14	15	14	13	11