Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico, where the sun's rays can be particularly strong due to its BSk climate. Keeping an eye on UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health—especially during peak hours from 11 AM to 2 PM when the UV Index can soar to dangerous levels of 11 to 14. With such high exposure risks, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the beautiful Mexican sun while protecting your skin.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolores Hidalgo | 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 |