Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Morelos, Mexico, where the combination of a Csa climate and high altitude can lead to significant sun exposure and increased UV radiation levels. Being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding your skin health, especially during the peak hours when the UV Index rises sharply, reaching levels as high as 14 around noon. With sunny days typical in Morelos, the risk of overexposure to harmful UV rays is ever-present, making it vital to stay informed and take appropriate measures to protect yourself while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
The UV Index today shows a clear progression of intensity, starting with a maximum of 1 at 07:00, signaling a relatively safe morning. As the sun climbs, it peaks at a dramatic 14 at 13:00, indicating a high risk for sun exposure. From 10:00 onwards, the UV levels escalate rapidly, reaching 10 at 11:00 and a scorching 13 at noon. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the index easing back to 10 at 15:00, and further down to 4 by 17:00. The evening offers relief as it drops to 2 by 18:00 and finally settles at 1 by 19:00. It’s crucial to be sun-smart during peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 14:00.
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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reveal significant variations in ultraviolet exposure, particularly peaking during the warmer months. The high-risk months, characterized by an extreme UV Index of 11-14, are from March to October, where burn time dramatically decreases to just 10 minutes of unprotected skin exposure. In contrast, January sees a high index of 7 but with a safer burn time of 25 minutes, while December drops to a UV Index of 6. It's crucial for both visitors and residents to exercise vigilance during the peak months, employing protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves to mitigate the risk of overexposure, especially between mid-March and early November when UV levels are at their highest.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Morelos | 7 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
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 |