Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ocotillo, Mexico is crucial for maintaining your skin health, especially given the area's arid climate and high levels of sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at critical times throughout the day—often reaching a maximum of 13—awareness of these numbers can be the difference between enjoying the sun responsibly and suffering painful sunburns. Protecting your skin from harmful rays is not just about immediate discomfort; it plays a vital role in preventing long-term skin damage. Stay informed and take action during those peak UV times to ensure you experience all that the beautiful Ocotillo sun has to offer, without the risks.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ocotillo | 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 |