Last updated: June 2, 2025
In El Arenal, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels can significantly impact your outdoor activities, helping you safeguard against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With its semi-arid climate (BSk), El Arenal experiences intense sunlight, particularly during the midday hours, when the UV Index can soar to 14—extremely high. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sunny days while protecting your skin and minimizing the risk of long-term 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
El Arenal | 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 |