Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Zaragoza, Mexico, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's BWh climate, residents and visitors face elevated UV levels, especially during the peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the index can soar to 12—indicating extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you enjoy the sunny days of Zaragoza without compromising your well-being. Remember, awareness is your first line of defense against the sun’s rays!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a stark increase as the sun rises, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and peaking at a striking 12 between 12:00 and 13:00. This significant surge highlights the importance of sun protection, especially during the hours when the index reaches maximal levels of 10 at 11:00 and 11 at 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 8 by 15:00 and finishing the day with a gentle return to 1 by 19:00. This data serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize sun safety during midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV exposure can significantly impact both visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV Index rises from 5 (moderate) to 7 (high), shortening burn time to 25 minutes. As spring arrives, March to April sees a sharp increase, with the index reaching 9 (very high), resulting in a burn time of just 15 minutes, and climbing to 11 (extreme) in April. The summer months of May through August maintain an extreme rating of 12, with a minimal burn time of only 10 minutes. As September rolls in, the index slightly declines to 11, but remains in the extreme category. In October, UV levels decrease to 8 (very high), extending burn time back to 15 minutes, while November and December showcase a return to moderate exposure with indices of 5 and 4, and burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during the high-risk months, particularly from March through October, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to minimize the risks associated with UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zaragoza | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 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 |