Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Contreras, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly, especially during the peak hours of 11 am to 3 pm, with UV levels soaring as high as 14. Awareness of these UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. With the BSk climate zone typical of the area, Contreras experiences significant sun exposure, making it vital to protect your skin from harmful rays. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or just soaking up the sun, knowing the UV Index can help you take the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin against potential damage.
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.
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 |
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Contreras | 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 |