Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Santa Monica, Philippines, where the sunny climate brings both warmth and potential risks. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV exposures. During the day, especially around midday, Santa Monica experiences significant UV peaks, reaching levels of 13—well into the very high category. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin, ensuring you enjoy the island's beautiful beaches without compromising your health. Stay safe under the sun!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, making it a gentle beginning to the day. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 4, hinting at the need for a bit of sun protection. The intensity reaches its peak between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, soaring to a high of 13. This powerful midday sun calls for extra caution as the UV index hovers at this level for two consecutive hours before gradually tapering off. By 3:00 PM, the UV Index drops to 5 and continues to decline, hitting 1 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV levels ease to 0 by 7:00 PM, wrapping up the day with a low-risk, sun-safe atmosphere. Enjoy the bright moments, but don’t forget your sunscreen 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary, but they consistently remain in the extreme exposure category, with burn times of just 10 minutes across all months. The highest UV Index values are observed from March to April, peaking at 17 in April, making these the most critical months for UV exposure. Although other months exhibit slightly lower indices, such as May to August with values ranging from 14 to 15, the risk of skin damage remains significant. Residents and visitors are urged to take precautions, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during these high-risk months. Always be mindful of UV exposure, as even on cloudy days, harmful rays can penetrate the atmosphere.
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 |
| Santa Monica | 12 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
| 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 |