Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Nogales, Mexico is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With its arid highland climate (BSk), Nogales often experiences heightened UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index peaks at a striking 13 around 1 PM. Being aware of UV levels not only helps you prevent painful sunburns, but also plays a significant role in reducing long-term skin damage and the risk of skin cancer. As you navigate outdoor activities in this sun-drenched region, staying informed about the UV Index is your best defense against harmful rays and enhances your sun safety strategy.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a dramatic rise, starting from a safe 0 at 7:00 AM and steadily climbing to its peak of 13 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This mid-afternoon high signals a heightened risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, making sunscreen and protective clothing essential during these hours. As the day winds down, the UV Index gradually decreases, dropping to 6 by 5:00 PM and settling at 2 by 7:00 PM, suggesting safer conditions for late-day outdoor activities. It's a clear reminder of the sun's intensity and the importance of mindful sun safety practices 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 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant changes, peaking in the spring and summer months. From January to March, UV levels increase rapidly, reaching extreme levels in February and March (UV Index 11-12) with a burn time of just 10 minutes. April through July see consistent extreme UV Index values, reaching a high of 14 in April, May, and July. As summer transitions into early autumn, UV levels remain noticeably high, especially in August and September (UV Index 13), before gradually decreasing in October. The high-risk months for UV exposure are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October, each requiring extreme caution with a burn time of only 10 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to prevent skin damage. In contrast, November and December offer some reprieve with lower UV levels, allowing for longer exposure times of 15 minutes and 25 minutes, respectively.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nogales | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 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 |