Last updated: May 3, 2025
In La Paz, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and enjoying the beautiful sunshine this coastal city has to offer. Understanding UV levels is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health, especially as the index can reach alarming highs—peaking at 13 during the midday hours. With a BWh climate that brings ample sunshine, La Paz poses unique exposure risks that require vigilance to ensure you enjoy outdoor activities safely. Stay informed and protect yourself from harmful UV rays while soaking in the stunning landscapes of this vibrant destination!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a striking pattern of escalating intensity. Starting off gently at 1 in the early hours of 07:00 and 08:00, the index begins to rise gradually, hitting 2 by 09:00. A rapid surge follows, peaking at an intense 13 between 13:00 and 14:00. This is the moment when the sun’s rays are most potent, with a risky 11 at 12:00 and a notable 12 by 15:00. As the afternoon begins to wane, the UV index drops, settling back to a manageable 6 by 17:00, and later retreating to 3 and 1 as night falls. Stay safe and protect your skin during the peak hours!
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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, highlighting significant variations in sun exposure risk throughout the year. The high-risk months are prominently from February to October, with peaks in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October all classified under the extreme category, where the burn time is notably only 10 minutes. This makes February the first month with a very high category, and November sees a reduction to very high as well, while January and December present a high risk with extended burn times of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the peak months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize exposure, especially during midday when the sun's strength is at its highest.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Paz | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 7 |
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 |