Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Romulo Calzada (La Herradura), Mexico, where the warm, tropical climate can expose individuals to significant UV radiation. High UV levels, particularly during midday hours, can lead to sunburns, increased skin aging, and even skin cancer. With the UV Index peaking at a staggering 14 around noon, it's vital to keep track of daily UV levels to protect your skin health while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Being informed empowers you to make safe choices under the sun, ensuring your time in this picturesque locale remains both enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index for the day reveals a dynamic shift in solar intensity. Early morning starts off mild, with values at a maximum of 1 from 07:00 to 08:00. As the sun rises higher, 09:00 sees a jump to 3, leading to a significant spike at 10:00 when the index reaches 6. The peak occurs around 12:00, hitting a scorching 13 and then climbing to a daunting 14 by 13:00. Following this zenith, the intensity begins to taper off, dropping to 11 at 15:00, and continuing downwards to 7 at 16:00. The evening brings relief, as the UV Index dwindles to 2 by 18:00 and finally returns to 1 as the day winds down at 19:00. It's a reminder to embrace sun safety during those peak afternoon 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 |
During the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk occurring from February to October, where the index is consistently categorized as extreme. The high-risk months are typically from March to July, peaking at 14, which indicates a burn time of only 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December see a slight reduction in UV exposure, categorized as very high, where the burn time increases to 15 minutes. As a result, visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the extreme months by using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, particularly during midday hours when UV rays are strongest. Being sun-smart is essential to safeguard against harmful sun exposure and its associated risks.
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 |
| Romulo Calzada (La Herradura) | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 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 |