Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, especially given the city’s arid BWk climate that often leads to elevated sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining skin health and reducing long-term risks of skin damage. With peak UV Index readings soaring as high as 13 around midday, it's essential to stay informed about daily variations to protect yourself effectively. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply running errands, knowing the UV Index can make a significant difference in your sun safety strategy!
The UV Index throughout the day demonstrates a dramatic rise, peaking at 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM. Early morning starts off gently, with a maximum of just 1 at 7 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 8 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases rapidly, hitting 9 at 11 AM and soaring to its zenith of 12 at noon. After this peak, the index begins its descent, tapering to 10 by 3 PM, and further dwindling to 4 by 5 PM, ultimately calming to 1 as evening approaches. This hourly ebb and flow underscores the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during the midday hours when the UV exposure can be intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risks occurring from April to September. During these months, the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels, peaking at 13 in May and June. In these high-risk months, burn time decreases dramatically to as little as 10 minutes, necessitating vigilant sun protection. February and March also present very high UV levels (8 and 10, respectively), with a burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, the lowest UV exposure can be found in January, November, and December, with moderate to high levels that provide burn times of up to 30 minutes. Residents and visitors should ensure they wear appropriate sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours, especially from April to September, to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ciudad Juarez | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| 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 |