Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Bella Vista Papagayo, Mexico, a region known for its vibrant sunshine and stunning natural beauty. Awareness of UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns but also for safeguarding long-term skin health. With a tropical climate that often exposes individuals to high UV risks, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the index peaks at a staggering 13 (signifying extreme risk), it's vital to take proactive measures. Whether you're lounging on the beach or enjoying outdoor activities, knowing the UV Index helps you enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bella Vista Papagayo | 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 |