Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in La Providencia, Mexico, where the sunshine is abundant and the risks of harmful UV exposure can be significant. The UV Index provides a clear indicator of how much solar radiation is reaching the Earth's surface, helping you make informed decisions about sun safety. With peaks reaching a staggering 14 during midday hours, awareness of UV levels is essential to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. La Providencia's warm, tropical climate means intense sun exposure, especially during the summer, making it even more important to pay attention to the UV Index and take precautionary measures when necessary. Knowledge is power—stay informed and safeguard your skin!
The UV Index rises dramatically as the day unfolds, starting from a calm 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it gently increases to 1, signaling a mild sun presence. As the clock strikes 9:00 AM, it nudges to 2, but things heat up quickly from there. At 10:00 AM, the index jumps to 5, then surges to a formidable 9 by 11:00 AM. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM with a blistering 12, but it doesn't stop there! 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM witness the highest levels, both hitting 14, making it crucial to seek shade or lather on sunscreen. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the index easing to 12 at 3:00 PM, then 9 at 4:00 PM, and tapering off to 5 by 5:00 PM. As the sun starts to set, it cools down to 2 at 6:00 PM, and eventually settles at 1 by 7:00 PM, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Stay mindful of those midday rays!
| 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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal UV changes reveal that the months from February to October are particularly concerning, as most months in this period have an extreme UV Index, peaking at 14 in March, May, June, July, and September. The high-risk months for sun exposure are therefore from February through October, where the recommended burn time is only 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December are slightly less critical with very high UV Index levels of 10 and 9, allowing for burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently 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 |
| La Providencia | 10 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 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 |