Last updated: July 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in La Caja, Mexico. Understanding UV levels not only helps protect against painful sunburns, but also plays a vital role in preserving long-term skin health. With a predominantly tropical climate, La Caja experiences high UV exposure, particularly between late morning and mid-afternoon when the index can soar to 12 or 13. This means that adequate protection and precautions during these peak hours are essential for enjoying the beautiful outdoors safely.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, beginning at a safe 0 at 07:00 and peaking dramatically. By 10:00, it escalates to 4, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity reaches 10 at 12:00, and then hits its maximum at 13:00 with a formidable 12. Right after, it slightly dips but remains high at 12 until 15:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 9 by 16:00, and continuing its descent to 1 by 19:00. This fluctuation highlights the importance of being sun-smart during peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 15:00, when the sun is at its strongest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 0 | 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 | 12 | 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 UV levels fluctuate throughout the year, January and February start off with a very high UV Index of 9 and 10, respectively, allowing for 15 minutes of exposure before burns occur. From March to October, the UV Index peaks, reaching an extreme high of 14 in June and September. During these months, the burn time drastically decreases to just 10 minutes, presenting a significant risk for sun damage. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through October, with consistent extreme readings that warrant extra caution. As the year transitions into November and December, the UV Index drops back to 9 and 8, marking a shift to very high exposure with a return to 15-minute burn times. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak UV hours, especially from March to October, to mitigate the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Caja | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
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 |