Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Canatlán, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly in a typical BSk climate. With peak UV levels soaring to a staggering 14 during the afternoon, awareness of these measurements can be the key to preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. As outdoor activities abound in this vibrant region, keeping an eye on UV levels is essential to enjoy the sun safely and efficiently. Whether you're exploring local attractions or soaking up the rays, knowledge of the UV Index can empower you to make informed decisions and safeguard your skin under the Mexican sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to peak at 08:00 with a mild level of 1, slowly climbing through the morning. By 10:00, it has reached 4, signaling the start of a more intense exposure. The 11:00 mark brings a notable jump to 8, but it isn't until 12:00 that the UV Index hits a striking 11—a reminder to protect your skin! The maximum intensity occurs at 14:00, with the Index soaring to 14, making this the most dangerous time for sun exposure. Fortunately, as the afternoon progresses, values start to decline, dropping to 10 by 16:00 and easing further to 4 by 18:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index returns to a modest level of 2 by 19:00, signaling a safer time to enjoy outdoor activities. Stay safe and consider the UV Index throughout the day!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking from February to October, primarily classified as extreme. High-risk months are notably February through October, where the UV Index remains at 11 or higher, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. This highlights the critical need for residents and visitors to take precautionary measures during these months, such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. In contrast, January and November present slightly lower risks at an index of 8 and 9, respectively, while December sees the lowest UV Index at 7, where a burn time extends to 25 minutes. Overall, it is paramount to remain vigilant about UV exposure year-round, especially during the high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalajara UVI | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Canatlan | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 |
| 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 |