Last updated: May 3, 2025
In San Andres Playa Encantada (El Podrido), understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining long-term health. With a climate characterized by abundant sunshine, the UV levels can soar, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at 12 and 13. Being aware of these levels allows residents and visitors to take necessary precautions against sunburn and related skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful beach while ensuring your skin stays safe from harmful rays. Plan your sun exposure wisely and savor the beauty of this stunning destination!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting from a max of 0 at 07:00, it gently escalates to 1 at 08:00 and 2 at 09:00. By 10:00, the intensity ramps up to 5, reaching its peak at 12:00 with a striking 12. The afternoon peaks further at 13:00 and 14:00 with sustained readings of 13, before gradually tapering off to 11 at 15:00. As the sun begins to set, the index declines to 8 at 16:00, and continues to decrease, landing at 2 by 18:00, and finally settling at 1 by 19:00. This pattern highlights the critical hours when sun protection is paramount, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding your skin during midday exposure.
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | 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 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 |