Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Puebla, Mexico, to effectively protect their skin and overall health from the sun's harmful rays. With the region's BWh climate offering plenty of sunshine, the UV Index can rise to alarming levels, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, where values soar to 10 and 11. Awareness of these UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn, skin damage, and long-term health issues. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy Puebla’s beautiful outdoors while ensuring your skin remains safe from excessive UV exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting modestly at 1 by 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, the intensity ramps up to 5, signaling a gentle warning for sun-sensitive activities. The peak arrives between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the UV Index reaches a robust 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this zenith, the numbers gradually decline, dropping to 7 by 3:00 PM, and later sinking back to a lowly 1 by 6:00 PM. This hourly dance of UV radiation reminds us to stay vigilant during the brightest hours of the day, ensuring we protect our skin while enjoying the sunshine.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 shows significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring from March to August. During these months, particularly April through July, the UV Index reaches a peak of 12 in July, categorized as extreme, allowing only a 10-minute burn time for unprotected skin. February also sees elevated levels with a high UV Index of 6. To ensure safety, visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months of March, April, May, June, July, and August, when the risk of skin damage from sun exposure is at its highest. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen, and seek shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn. As UV levels decrease in the fall and winter months, from September to December, individuals can enjoy more moderate exposure with indices dropping back to 4 or 5, indicating moderate risk and longer burn times of 30 minutes.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puebla | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 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 |