Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cienega Grande, Mexico, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health under the sun. With peak UV levels often exceeding 11 during the midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. This region, characterized by its semi-arid climate, exposes residents and visitors to elevated UV risks, particularly during the warmer months. Stay informed and take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful sunshine safely!
The UV Index throughout the day displayed a striking pattern, beginning with a maximum of 0 at 7:00 AM, signifying minimal risk. As the sun climbed higher, the index gradually increased, peaking at 1 by 8:00 AM and reaching 2 by 9:00 AM. The intensity surged dramatically from 10:00 AM, where it hit 4, to an impressive 11 at 12:00 PM, marking the onset of high risk. The highest levels were recorded between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where the UV Index reached a scorching 13—a crucial time for sun safety awareness. As the afternoon progressed, values began to steadily decline: 12 at 3:00 PM, 10 at 4:00 PM, and tapering off to 6 by 5:00 PM. As evening approached, the index further decreased to 4 at 6:00 PM and settled at 2 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe return for outdoor activities as the sun set. Overall, this hourly UV data underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours.
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant changes, peaking in the spring and summer months. From January to March, UV levels increase rapidly, reaching extreme levels in February and March (UV Index 11-12) with a burn time of just 10 minutes. April through July see consistent extreme UV Index values, reaching a high of 14 in April, May, and July. As summer transitions into early autumn, UV levels remain noticeably high, especially in August and September (UV Index 13), before gradually decreasing in October. The high-risk months for UV exposure are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October, each requiring extreme caution with a burn time of only 10 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to prevent skin damage. In contrast, November and December offer some reprieve with lower UV levels, allowing for longer exposure times of 15 minutes and 25 minutes, respectively.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cienega Grande | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 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 |