Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Nuevo León, Mexico, as it directly impacts skin health and sunburn prevention. With the region's Aw climate, characterized by hot summers and ample sunshine, it’s essential to stay informed about daily UV levels to protect yourself from harmful radiation. For instance, during peak hours in the summer, the UV Index can soar to a striking 15, indicating extreme levels of ultraviolet exposure. By being aware of these fluctuations, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin and enjoy the beautiful, sunny days that Nuevo León has to offer.
At 07:00, the UV Index begins its day at a low 1, making it a safe time for early risers. As the sun climbs higher, it rises steadily, hitting 3 by 09:00. The real intensity bursts forth around 10:00 with a sharp leap to 7, and by 11:00, we reach a striking 11, signaling it's time to seek shade. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, with the UV Index soaring to an impressive 14, followed closely by a slight dip to 15 at 13:00. The afternoon maintains this high level, remaining at 14 until 14:00 before gradually decreasing. By 15:00, the UV Index drops to 11, followed by a gentle decline to 4 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the index falls to 2 at 18:00 and returns to a safe 1 by 19:00, marking the end of a day with potent solar energy that calls for caution during its peak hours.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | 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, UV exposure levels vary significantly, with the highest risks occurring from February to October. During these months, the UV Index frequently reaches extreme levels, peaking at 15 in April through July, meaning that a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen liberally. Notably, January and November see a slightly lower UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, resulting in a burn time of 15 minutes. The least intense UV levels occur in December with an index of 9, but vigilance is still advised. Overall, awareness and proactive sun protection are essential to prevent harmful effects from UV radiation throughout the year.
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 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| Nuevo Leon | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |