Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Valle de Zaragoza, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly in a BSh climate. As UV levels can peak at a dangerous 14 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. High UV exposure can lead to long-term skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer, making it essential to monitor these levels regularly. Given the region's intense sunlight, being informed about the UV Index is your best defense against harmful effects while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
The UV Index tells a compelling story of the sun's changing intensity throughout the day. Starting off mild at 07:00 with a low reading of 1, the index gradually climbs, reaching 2 by 08:00. The sun really begins to assert its strength around 10:00 with a peak value of 7, but the day’s maximum occurs at 12:00, soaring to an impressive 13. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index continues to rise, hitting its highest point of 14 at 13:00. Following this peak, the index dips gently but noticeably, tapering to 10 by 15:00, and then noticeably declining back to 2 by 18:00, before wrapping up the day at 19:00 with a low 1. This snapshot of the UV Index emphasizes the importance of sun protection during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak.
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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, marking specific months as high-risk for sun exposure. From March to September, the UV Index peaks at levels classified as extreme, particularly in April and May with an index of 14, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. The highest risk is clearly evident from February to October, with February showing a very high index of 9 and October measuring 10. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Valle de Zaragoza | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 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 |