Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Cuyuxtlahuaca, Mexico, where the climate shines brightly with an Aw classification. As the sun reaches its zenith, particularly between 12 PM and 2 PM, UV levels soar to a potentially dangerous 14, underscoring the importance of vigilance in sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels not only aids in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With frequent high-intensity sun exposure, it's essential to take the necessary precautions to protect your skin and enjoy the vibrant sunny days safely.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins at a safe 1 at 07:00, indicating low levels of ultraviolet radiation. As the morning progresses, it gradually climbs to 3 by 09:00, making sun protection a good idea as we approach midday. The real intensity arrives around 12:00, when the UV Index skyrockets to 13, peaking at 14 by 13:00 and 14:00—conditions that call for extra caution. After this peak, there's a gradual decrease, dropping to 9 by 16:00 and further down to 5 by 17:00, signaling a return to more manageable levels. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls back to 2 by 18:00, finally resting at a low 1 by 19:00. Always remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily occurring from February through October. During this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 15 in April, May, July, and fluctuating between 12 and 14 in other summer months. Burn times are notably short, with exposure times as little as 10 minutes required for potential sunburn. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these months; this includes wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours whenever possible. As we transition into November and December, the UV Index decreases to 10 and 9, respectively, allowing for a moderate level of exposure, although caution is still recommended.
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 |
| 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 |
| Cuyuxtlahuaca | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |