Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Acatlan de la Cruz, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate that features a temperate highland climate (Cwb), residents and visitors alike face varying UV exposure levels throughout the day. From a mild UV Index of 1 in the early morning to a peak of 14 around noon, knowing when to seek shade or wear protective measures can be a game changer. Understanding these levels not only helps protect your skin from harmful sun rays but also ensures enjoyable outdoor experiences under the Mexican sun.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a notable rise, peaking dramatically at 14 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Early morning starts off mild, with values of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, gradually increasing to 2 by 9:00 AM. As the sun ascends, the intensity intensifies, hitting 5 by 10:00 AM and surging to 9 by 11:00 AM. By midday, the index reaches a scorching 12, a clear warning to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, it maintains high levels at 14 until 2:00 PM, before tapering off to 12 at 3:00 PM, then retreating to 9 at 4:00 PM. Finally, the UV Index descends to 3 by 6:00 PM, and concludes the day at a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember, during peak hours, it's crucial to shield your skin from harmful UV rays!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months being March through September, where the UV Index frequently reaches extremes of 13 to 14, indicating a burn time as short as 10 minutes. January and December experience a drop in UV levels, but still pose a risk with indices of 10 and 8, respectively. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions from February to October, including applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to mitigate the risks associated with high UV exposure. Always remember that even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can penetrate the atmosphere, so protection is essential year-round.
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 |
| Acatlan de la Cruz | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 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 |