Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Aguas Calientes, Mexico, is crucial for everyone who enjoys the region’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. With its Aw climate type, this beautiful city experiences elevated UV levels, particularly during midday when sun exposure can lead to serious skin health risks like sunburn and long-term damage. Knowledge of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also educates residents and visitors alike about protecting their skin. During peak hours, the UV Index can reach a high of 13, making it essential to be sun-smart and take necessary precautions to enjoy Aguas Calientes safely.
The UV Index for the day reveals a dynamic journey of sun exposure. Starting early, the index registers a 0 at 7:00 AM, climbing gradually to 1 by 8:00 AM. However, the real surge begins around 10:00 AM, when it leaps to 4, indicating a marked increase in UV intensity. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index peaks at a striking 13 by 2:00 PM, reminding us to take precautions. The intensity then begins a steady decline, dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM and finally tapering off to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during midday hours when the UV radiation is at its most powerful.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the warmer months. From January through April, the index rises sharply from 9 to 13, indicating extreme exposure risks, and continues to peak at 14 in June. The high-risk months of February through October maintain an extreme exposure category, with a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes. As we move into November and December, the index decreases to 9 and 8, respectively, returning to a very high exposure category with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during high UV periods, particularly between February and October, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aguas Calientes | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Guadalajara UVI | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 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 |