Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Maldonado, Mexico, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks to skin health. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours when the Index can soar to 14—a level indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With its warm Aw climate, Maldonado experiences sunny conditions that elevate UV exposure, making it essential to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
As the sun rises, UV Index levels begin low, at 1 at both 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, making it a safe time for morning activities. By 9:00 AM, the index climbs to 2, still manageable for most outdoor enthusiasts. However, from 10:00 AM onward, the intensity escalates dramatically, peaking at an intense 14 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. This is the moment to take caution, as the sun's rays are at their strongest—hitting a staggering 12 at 12:00 PM and gradually tapering off in the afternoon to 5 by 5:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index dwindles back to 1 by 7:00 PM, offering a gentler wrap-up to a sun-drenched day. Stay protected during peak hours and enjoy the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 8 | 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 indicate that the months of January through October present the highest risks for sun exposure, with February to June being particularly critical, showcasing a UV Index ranging from 11 to 14 and an extreme exposure category. Notably, May and June maintain the peak UV Index of 14, and the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes across these high-risk months. As autumn approaches, October remains a month of caution, featuring an UV Index of 11 before a gradual decline into the winter months, where November and December drop to 9 and 8, respectively. Residents and visitors should take proactive measures during these high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maldonado | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 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 |