Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zapotillo de Mogotes, Mexico, where sunny days and clear skies characterize the climate. The UV Index provides vital information about potential sun exposure levels, helping you protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays that can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin health issues. In this region's Cwa climate, the midday sun can reach dangerously high levels, peaking at an impressive UV Index of 13 during the afternoon hours. Staying informed about these UV levels is essential for enjoying the warm, inviting weather while safeguarding your skin's health.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun exposure. Starting at 07:00, the index is at a minimal 0, indicating that the sun's rays are weak. As the morning progresses, it climbs to 2 by 09:00 and reaches 4 by 10:00, suggesting that protective measures should start to be considered. The intensity peaks dramatically around noon, hitting a staggering 11 at 12:00, followed closely by a maximum of 13 from 13:00 to 14:00. During these hours, it’s crucial to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually dips to 9 at 16:00 and continues to fall, settling at 1 by 19:00, marking a safe return for evening activities. Overall, it's clear that midday hours demand the most caution under the sun!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
| Zapotillo de Mogotes | 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 |