UV Index in Palo Alto, Mexico

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Palo Alto, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With a Cwa climate characterized by warm summers and sunny days, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index can soar to 14. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can better safeguard your skin, ensuring that your time under the sun is both enjoyable and safe.

Hourly UV Index in Palo Alto

The UV Index throughout the day showcased a striking pattern, beginning with a negligible level of 0 at 07:00. As the sun rose, the intensity gradually increased, reaching a modest 1 at 08:00 and climbing to 2 by 09:00. The real surge occurred as the day unfolded, peaking at an intense 14 from 13:00 to 14:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. From this zenith, the index started to decline, dropping to 9 by 16:00 and tapering off to 1 by 19:00. This dynamic progression underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly between noon and early afternoon.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	5	moderate	30 min
11:00	8	very high	15 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	14	extreme	10 min
14:00	14	extreme	10 min
15:00	12	extreme	10 min
16:00	9	very high	15 min
17:00	5	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Palo Alto

The seasonal UV changes indicate a significant increase in UV Index values from January to October, peaking at 14 during the months of March through June, categorized as extreme exposure with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Following this peak, UV levels gradually decrease but remain high in the late summer and early fall months, notably staying in the 13 range from July to September, before dropping to 12 in October. November and December see a return to very high levels, with indices of 9 and 8 respectively, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. As a result, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during the high-risk months of February through October by wearing appropriate sun protection, seeking shade, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to minimize the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Palo Alto, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Palo Alto. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Palo Alto, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Palo Alto UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Palo Alto compares to other major locations across Mexico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Palo Alto's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mexico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Guadalajara UVI	9	11	14	14	14	13	13	13	13	12	9	8
Palo Alto	9	11	14	14	14	14	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