Last updated: June 2, 2025
In San Andres Playa Encantada (El Podrido), understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin during sunny days by the coast. With peak UV levels reaching up to 14, it's essential to monitor these fluctuations, especially from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, when the sun's rays are most intense. Awareness of UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also promotes long-term skin health, making it vital for both locals and visitors to prioritize protective measures. Given the area's warm climate, enjoying the beautiful beaches while remaining conscious of UV exposure can ensure memorable days under the sun without the risks associated with overexposure.
The UV Index throughout the day showcased a striking pattern, beginning with a negligible level of 0 at 07:00. As the sun rose, the intensity gradually increased, reaching a modest 1 at 08:00 and climbing to 2 by 09:00. The real surge occurred as the day unfolded, peaking at an intense 14 from 13:00 to 14:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. From this zenith, the index started to decline, dropping to 9 by 16:00 and tapering off to 1 by 19:00. This dynamic progression underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly between noon and early afternoon.
| 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 | 8 | 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 UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the warmer months. From January through April, the index rises sharply from 9 to 13, indicating extreme exposure risks, and continues to peak at 14 in June. The high-risk months of February through October maintain an extreme exposure category, with a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes. As we move into November and December, the index decreases to 9 and 8, respectively, returning to a very high exposure category with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during high UV periods, particularly between February and October, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Andres Playa Encantada (El Podrido) | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |