Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Guerrero, Mexico, where year-round sunshine and a BSh climate can lead to high levels of UV exposure. With peak UV Index values soaring up to 12 during midday hours, it’s essential to grasp the significance of UV levels for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Being informed empowers you to protect yourself from harmful UV radiation, enabling you to enjoy Guerrero's beautiful beaches and outdoor activities safely. So, whether you’re soaking up the sun or exploring the vibrant culture, stay aware of the UV Index to safeguard your skin.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a remarkable ascent and subsequent descent, reflecting the sun's peak intensity. Starting at a gentle 1 in the early hours of 07:00 and 08:00, the index gradually climbs to reach a moderate level of 2 by 09:00. However, it escalates dramatically at 10:00, spiking to 4, and by 11:00, the sun's rays are striking with a powerful force, resulting in a significant 7. The apex occurs at 12:00, hitting a striking 10, and shortly after, it peaks at 11 by 13:00 before achieving its highest mark of 12 at 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, there’s a noticeable decrease, with the index descending to 11 at 15:00, and continuing to decline to 5 by 17:00. By evening, it gently tapers off to 3 at 18:00 and finishes the day at a comfortable 1 by 19:00. With such fluctuations, it’s essential to stay protected during the midday hours when the sun is at its strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal changes. January sees a moderate UV Index of 5, while February and March jump to 8 and 9, respectively, indicating very high exposure risks with short burn times of just 15 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are from April to August, where the Index reaches an extreme level of 11 to 12, necessitating caution with a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the year progresses, UV levels decrease, but October remains notably high at 9, followed by November with a high category of 7. For visitors and residents alike, it is crucial to take protective measures during the high-risk months of April through September and remain vigilant, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guerrero | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 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 |