Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz de Mara, Venezuela, where the sun’s rays can be particularly intense. With a climate characterized by high temperatures and abundant sunshine, awareness of UV levels can play a vital role in preventing sunburn and safeguarding your skin health. During peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the UV Index can reach critical levels, peaking at 12, which significantly increases the risk of harmful effects from sun exposure. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Santa Cruz de Mara while protecting your skin from potential damage.
The hourly UV Index today presents a dramatic journey through sunlight intensity. Starting off at 07:00, the index is a mild 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. As the morning progresses, the UV rays escalate, peaking at a formidable 12 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating the highest risk for sun exposure. Once the clock strikes 14:00, the index begins to descend, dropping to 11 and subsequently to 8 by 15:00. The late afternoon brings a cooling respite, as levels fall to 5 at 16:00, before retreating to a soft 1 by the evening hours 18:00 to 19:00. It's a classic reminder of how the sun's impact can shift throughout the day, urging us to stay protected during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows a consistent pattern of extremely high values from January through October, with indexes ranging from 11 to 14 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes, indicating a significant risk for skin damage. The highest months for UV exposure are March (UV Index 14) and April (UV Index 13), making them particularly high-risk periods. From November onward, while the UV Index decreases slightly to a very high level of 10, the burn time increases to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the peak hours of solar exposure to minimize skin damage throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz de Mara | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Maracaibo UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Valencia UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
| Maracay UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
| Barquisimeto UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 |
| Caracas UVI | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |