Last updated: August 1, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Catarina de Tepehuanes, Mexico, where the sun's rays can pose significant health risks. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, especially in a region characterized by its Csb climate and varying sunlight exposure throughout the day. With the highest UV Index peaking at a staggering 14 during midday hours, it’s vital to take proper precautions to safeguard your skin and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun's harmful effects!
The UV Index shows a dynamic progression throughout the day, starting from a maximum of 0 at 07:00. As the sun rises, it gradually increases, reaching 1 by 08:00 and then climbing to 2 at 09:00. The peak intensity occurs between 12:00 and 14:00, soaring to a high of 14 at 14:00—a clear signal for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index gently declines, dropping to 11 at 16:00 and 7 at 17:00, before settling back to 4 at 18:00 and 2 by 19:00. This data emphasizes the importance of sun safety during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 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 notable seasonal changes, peaking in spring and summer months. From January to February, the index rises sharply from 8 to 11, moving into the extreme exposure category, with a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes by March. The highest readings occur from April to June, reaching a peak of 15 in April, signaling some of the year's highest risk for UV exposure. July and August maintain a consistently high index of 14, followed by September and October with only slightly lower levels at 13 and 12, respectively. The trend shows a marked decline in November and December, where the UV Index drops to 9 and 7, categorizing them as very high and high, with burn times extending to 15 and 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution from February through October, particularly during peak sun hours, applying sunscreen frequently, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Catarina de Tepehuanes | 8 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 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 |