Last updated: June 2, 2025
In La Paz, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a predominantly warm climate that exposes residents and visitors to intense sunlight, awareness of UV levels can make a significant difference in protecting against harmful effects of the sun. The UV Index typically peaks around noon, reaching levels as high as 14, which can lead to rapid onset of skin damage if proper precautions are not taken. Staying informed enables everyone to enjoy the beautiful outdoor activities that La Paz offers while safeguarding their skin from unnecessary risks.
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a dramatic rise, peaking during midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to 3 by 9:00 AM, before surging to an intense 13 by noon. The sun reaches its zenith at 1:00 PM, with a blistering 14, warning outdoor enthusiasts to take extra precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 by 4:00 PM, and then tapering further to 2 by 6:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the day winds down with a safe 1 on the index. Those enjoying the outdoors are reminded to stay protected during the peak hours to avoid harmful UV exposure.
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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
16:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |