Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for staying safe under the sun, especially in Cinco de Mayo, Mexico. With the region’s arid climate typical of a BSk zone, awareness of UV levels can significantly impact your skin health and help prevent painful sunburns. The UV Index here peaks at an intense 14 around midday, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping track of these levels, you can enjoy the vibrant festivities while protecting yourself from the sun's harsh rays.
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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from February to September, where it reaches extreme levels of 11 to 15 and a dangerously low burn time of just 10 minutes. Particularly, March through May remain high-risk months, making sun protection essential during this period. Visitors and residents are advised to minimize sun exposure during these months, especially from 10 AM to 4 PM, and to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and wide-brimmed hats. As we transition into the latter part of the year, the UV Index decreases, with November and December presenting a moderate risk, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 to 25 minutes. Nonetheless, caution is still recommended to avoid skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinco de Mayo | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 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 |