Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Los Angeles, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels helps you take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly in a region characterized by a BWh climate, which boasts abundant sunshine throughout the year. As you navigate the warm afternoons where UV levels can soar to 13, especially around midday, awareness becomes your best defense to ensure both your comfort and skin health while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a cool 0 by 07:00 AM. By 08:00 AM, it nudges up to 1, a gentle reminder of the UV rays to come. The intensity escalates quickly, hitting 2 by 09:00 AM and reaching 4 at 10:00 AM. Peak intensity is felt at 12:00 PM when it soars to an impressive 10, and it climaxes at 13:00 PM with a formidable 13—elicit caution for sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index slowly declines, tapering to 12 at 15:00 PM, then 10 by 16:00 PM. The late hours offer some respite, as it decreases to 6 at 17:00 PM, before settling back to a manageable 3 by 18:00 PM and dropping to 1 as the day draws to a close at 19:00 PM. Be sure to take advantage of the earlier hours to enjoy sunshine safely! 🌞
| 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variability, peaking during the warmer months. Notably, March through October marks a period of extreme UV exposure, with the highest readings occurring in April at an index of 14. The most critical months for sun exposure are February through October, where UV levels range from very high to extreme, with minimal safe burn times of just 10 minutes during the peak months. Visitors and residents are advised to take strong protective measures, such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. In contrast, the winter months of January, November, and December present lower UV risks, with indices at 7 or 8 and safer burn times of 15-25 minutes. However, UV radiation can still be significant, so caution is recommended year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 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 |