Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Colonia Esperanza (Canon San Carlos), Mexico—an area known for its dry climate and abundant sunshine. With UV levels reaching as high as 12 during midday hours, awareness of these readings can significantly enhance your skin health and prevent painful sunburns. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities and sun protection, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful landscapes while safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Remember, staying informed is your first line of defense against UV exposure in this sunny haven!
The UV Index (UVI) paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting gently at 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs, reaching 2 by 08:00. The real intensity kicks in around 09:00, where it jumps to 5, before peaking at a scorching 12 from 12:00 to 13:00. This midday surge signals the highest risk for unprotected skin, with the index hitting its maximum of 10 at 11:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UVI gracefully descends from 11 at 14:00 to 3 by 17:00, and finally dips back to 1 as evening approaches. Whether it's a day at the beach or a stroll in the park, this UV Index serves as a vital reminder to protect yourself during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies significantly, posing different levels of risk to visitors and residents. From January to April, UV exposure starts low but escalates sharply, peaking in May and June at an extreme UV Index of 12, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are notably March through August, where caution is essential due to very high to extreme UV levels. September maintains high UV exposure, before tapering down in October. As we approach the winter months, the UV Index reduces, with levels returning to moderate by December. To ensure safety, it's crucial for everyone to apply sunscreen regularly, seek shade during peak hours, and wear protective clothing, especially during the highest risk periods.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colonia Esperanza (Canon San Carlos) | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Guadalajara UVI | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Iztapalapa UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Ecatepec de Morelos UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Mexico City UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |