Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Reforma de Lazaro Cardenas (El Aterrizaje), Mexico, where the sun’s intensity can pose significant health risks. As a region characterized by a subtropical climate, it’s essential to be aware of daily UV levels to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. With midday UV indices soaring to 12, even a brief exposure can lead to skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from the sun's rays.
At dawn, the UV Index begins at a cool 0 at 7:00 AM, slowly rising to an early indicator of 1 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity of UV radiation escalates, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a scorching 10, signaling a time when sun protection is essential. The height of midday brings the maximum reading of 12 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, where caution is crucial. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV Index steadily declines, dropping to 10 at 3:00 PM, then further down to 4 by 5:00 PM. The sun’s intensity wanes, offering a welcome reprieve as night approaches, with the UV Index closing out the day at a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January (UV Index 9) through November (UV Index 8), the risk of UV exposure is generally high, especially from February to October, when the UV Index consistently reaches 11 or higher, categorized as extreme. The highest risk occurs in June and July, with a UV Index of 14 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, particularly during these high-risk months. Even during cooler months, such as November and December, with an increased risk of sunburn due to the very high UV Index, appropriate precautions should still be observed to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reforma de Lazaro Cardenas (El Aterrizaje) | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 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 |