Last updated: June 2, 2025
In El Niño, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and long-term skin health issues, ensuring you can enjoy the sunny days safely. During El Niño events, the climate can shift, often leading to increased UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when the index soars as high as 12. By being proactive and aware of the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection, keeping your skin healthy and safe.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic dance of sun intensity throughout the day, peaking dramatically at the highest levels between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Starting the morning gentle with a UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, it quickly escalates as the sun rises, hitting 2 by 8:00 AM and surging to 11 by noon. The maximal exposure occurs at 1:00 PM with a striking 12, indicating a period of high sun intensity that calls for caution. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, reaching a comfortable 3 by 5:00 PM and settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This rhythmic pattern serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe 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 | 11 | 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 |
As the seasons change, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months primarily occurring from March through September. The UV Index is at its peak in May and June, reaching extreme levels of 11 and 12, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. In these months, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen. While January and November see moderate levels (UV Index 5) with a safer burn time of 30 minutes, attention should still be paid to UV exposure year-round. In summary, be especially vigilant during the spring and summer months, when UV radiation poses the greatest risk to skin health.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
El Nino | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 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 |