Last updated: August 1, 2025
In the picturesque region of Nazas (Las Lagartijas), Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels is not just about avoiding discomfort; it’s a vital step in protecting yourself from long-term skin damage. With the BWh climate, notorious for its intense sunshine, the UV index can peak at a striking 13 around midday, posing significant risks for unprotected skin. By staying informed about these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harmful UV radiation.
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazas (Las Lagartijas) | 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 |