Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Catalina de Villela, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially given the area's BSh climate, characterized by high temperatures and intense solar radiation. With peak UV values reaching 13 during midday, the risks of overexposure are significant; thus, familiarizing yourself with the UV Index can play a vital role in ensuring outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. Stay informed to protect your skin and embrace the sunny days ahead!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index ramps up significantly, peaking during the midday hours. At 07:00, it starts at a gentle 1, barely warranting concern. By 09:00, it rises to 4, signaling a gradual increase in sun intensity. However, it’s at 11:00 that the UV Index surges to a powerful 10, reaching 13 by 12:00 and 13:00, urging everyone to seek shade and slather on sunscreen. The intensity tapers off into the afternoon, dropping to 12 at 14:00, before gradually fading to 10 by 15:00, and then continuing its descent to 4 at 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index recedes to a safe 2 at 18:00 and finally retreats back to 1 by 19:00. It's a brilliant reminder of how vital it is to stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest values recorded from March to September, indicating months of extreme exposure. Specifically, March through August all register a UV Index of 13, while September is slightly lower at 12. The high-risk months for sun exposure are February through October, particularly noting March to July as critical periods due to their extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should take precautions during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. In contrast, January and December have a 6 UV Index, while November and October see a decline to 8 and 10 respectively, indicating some respite from the sun's intensity.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Catalina de Villela | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 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 |