UV Index in Canatlan, Mexico

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Canatlán, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels enables residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With its semi-arid climate (BSk), Canatlán experiences high UV levels, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when the index can soar to 14. This makes awareness and proactive measures essential for ensuring skin health and enjoyment of the beautiful outdoor activities our region has to offer.

Hourly UV Index in Canatlan

The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting off gentle at 07:00 with a reading of 0, the index gradually climbs. By 10:00, it reaches 4, signaling moderate exposure. The peak occurs at 14:00, hitting a striking 14—a high risk period that calls for protective measures. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 by 16:00 and then tapering off to 2 by 19:00. This progression emphasizes the importance of sun safety during midday hours when the sun is most potent.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	11	extreme	10 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	2	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Canatlan

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Canatlan, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Canatlan. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Canatlan, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Canatlan UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Canatlan compares to other major locations across Mexico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Canatlan's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mexico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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