Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Petacalco, Mexico, a region known for its warm, tropical climate. With UV levels peaking as high as 13 during the midday hours, awareness of these levels can significantly help in preventing sunburn and protecting overall skin health. Given the typical exposure risks associated with such a climate, being informed about UV Index fluctuations throughout the day is essential for enjoying the sun safely and keeping your skin healthy. Whether you're lounging at the beach or enjoying outdoor activities, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is key to a worry-free experience under the Mexican sun.
The UV index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern, starting from a low 0 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbing as the sun rises. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 4, signaling the start of potential sun sensitivity. As noon approaches, the intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 PM with a UV index of 10, which is considered very high, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take protective measures. The afternoon hours continue to show significant UV levels, with a maximum of 13 at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, before slowly tapering off in the later afternoon and evening, dropping back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of sun safety, especially during the midday hours when UV exposure poses the greatest risk.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking in the late spring and summer months. From January to April, the UV Index rises sharply, reaching its maximum of 14 in June. The months of February to October are classified as high-risk, with burn times as short as 10 minutes during periods of extreme exposure. Visitors and residents should take precautions by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, especially from February through September. As the year transitions into the cooler months of November and December, the UV Index drops to 9 and 8, respectively, indicating a decreased, yet still considerable, risk. It's essential to remain vigilant about UV protection year-round to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petacalco | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 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 |