Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Santa Cruz, Philippines, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health under the tropical sun. Understanding UV levels is crucial not only for preventing painful sunburn but also for reducing the long-term risks of skin damage and related health issues. With a climate characterized by high humidity and intense sunlight, Santa Cruz often experiences elevated UV exposure, peaking at a striking index of 13 during midday hours. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful beaches while protecting themselves from the sun's harmful rays.
At 07:00 AM, the UV Index starts at a mild 2, but as the sun rises higher, it quickly escalates. By 08:00 AM, it's climbing to 4, making it a good time to start enjoying the outdoors. The intensity peaks dramatically at 10:00 AM with a staggering 11, reaching a maximum of 13 by 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM—a clear indication to seek shade and protect your skin! The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dropping to 8 at 02:00 PM before gently easing down to 5 by 03:00 PM, 2 at 04:00 PM, and finally tapering off to 1 at 05:00 PM. By 06:00 PM, the UV Index plummets to 0, wrapping up the day as the sun sets. Remember to stay safe from those midday rays!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | 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 |
The UV Index shows a strikingly consistent pattern of extreme exposure throughout the year, with the highest values recorded from February to April, peaking at 16. March and April are particularly high-risk months, maintaining the peak UV Index, which translates to a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. While the index remains significantly high through the rest of the year, particularly in July, August, and September (ranging from 13 to 15), the urgency for sun protection remains important year-round. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions against UV exposure by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when the index is at its highest.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |
| Davao UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
| Santa Cruz | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 |