Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Nicolas del Palenque, Mexico, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's typical tropical climate and sun exposure peaking at an alarming UV Index of 15 around midday, awareness is essential to prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. As the sun climbs higher, reaching its maximum intensity between 12 PM and 2 PM, residents and visitors alike must equip themselves with knowledge about the risks associated with high UV levels. Taking proactive measures, such as applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, can help you enjoy the beautiful sunny days while safeguarding your skin's health.
The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, peaking in the early afternoon. At 07:00, it starts at a safe level of 0, gradually rising to 1 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index spikes dramatically, reaching 5 by 10:00 and soaring to a striking 12 at noon. The intensity peaks further at 13:00 with a maximum of 14, and then hits a scorching high of 15 at 14:00. As the day progresses, the UV levels begin to taper off; they drop to 13 at 15:00, then decline steadily, hitting 6 by 17:00 and tapering down to 1 by 19:00. These numbers remind us to take care during the midday hours when sun protection is essential!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | 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 shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring from February to October. This period features an extreme UV rating, peaking at 15 in May. Residents and visitors should be particularly cautious during March to October, when the UV Index ranges from 14 to 15, allowing just 10 minutes of sun exposure before risking burns. While November to January see a decline in UV intensity, the risk remains high, particularly in November with a UV Index of 10. To protect your skin, always wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours, especially in those high-risk months.
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 |
| San Nicolas del Palenque | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 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 |