Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Puerto de la Cruz, Mexico, where the warm, tropical climate presents unique sun exposure challenges. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 13 at midday, being aware of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. The UV Index provides a valuable gauge for when to seek shade, apply sunscreen, or cover up, helping to mitigate the risks associated with Puerto de la Cruz's intense sunlight. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant outdoor lifestyle while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index for the day reveals a dramatic rise in sun exposure as the hours progress. Starting at a mere 0 at 07:00, it gently climbs to 1 by 08:00, before making a noticeable leap to 2 at 09:00. The sun really starts to assert its power around 10:00, with a UV Index of 4, reaching 7 by 11:00. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, where it soars to a staggering 11, followed closely by a maximum of 13 at both 13:00 and 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the intensity begins to decline, falling to 12 at 15:00, then tapering down to 9 at 16:00. The evening offers some respite, with the index dropping to 6 at 17:00, 3 by 18:00, and finally settling at 1 as the sun sets at 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 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.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |
| Puerto de la Cruz | 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 |