Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Nueva Costa Rica, Mexico, where the tropical climate can expose individuals to intense sunlight. By being aware of UV levels, you can protect your skin from harmful effects like sunburn and long-term damage, ensuring your health and well-being. With UV Index readings peaking at 14 during the peak hours, it’s crucial to take precautions, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the risk is at its highest. So, whether you're exploring the vibrant outdoors or enjoying leisurely afternoons, knowing the UV Index will help you make informed choices and enjoy all that Nueva Costa Rica has to offer safely.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of intensity, peaking at 14 around 1 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early morning hours remain safe, with values at 1 until 9 AM, but as the sun climbs, so does the UV intensity—reaching 10 by 11 AM. The height of danger occurs during the afternoon when the index soars to its maximum, 13 at 12 PM and 14 at 1 PM, before gradually declining to 4 by 5 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops significantly, returning to 1 by 6 PM. It's crucial to stay protected, especially during the midday hours when the sun's rays are the strongest!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | 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 |
| Nueva Costa Rica | 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 |