Last updated: July 2, 2025
In La Paz, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful sun exposure. With the region's Aw climate, characterized by a combination of warm temperatures and high elevation, residents and visitors alike can experience significant UV radiation levels, particularly during midday when the UV Index peaks at an alarming 15. By keeping track of daily UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health, ensuring that your time in the sun is both enjoyable and safe. Whether it’s a leisurely day at the beach or exploring the beautiful landscapes, being informed about UV exposure can make all the difference in your outdoor adventures.
The UV Index today starts off relatively low, peaking at 1 between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, making it a safe time for morning strolls. As the sun rises higher in the sky, from 9:00 AM onward, the intensity ramps up, reaching a notable 6 by 10:00 AM. By noon, the index skyrockets to 13, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The sun's intensity reaches its zenith at 1:00 PM with a UV Index of 15, before gradually tapering off to 11 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the index declines steadily, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM, and returns to a comfortable 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s wise to seek shade and wear protective clothing during the midday peak to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains alarmingly high, particularly from January to October, where it consistently falls into the extreme exposure category. The months of March, April, July, and May peak at UV Index values of 14 to 15, signaling the most intense risk periods for sunburn, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. February and October also harbor extreme UV levels, while November and December, although slightly lower with a UV Index of 10 and 9 respectively, still warrant caution with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures year-round, particularly during these high-risk months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| La Paz | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |