Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Xolapa, Mexico, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. With a tropical climate, the UV levels can soar to dangerous heights, peaking at a significant 14 around midday. Being aware of these levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer. In Xolapa, where the sun shines brightly for much of the year, staying informed about UV Index ratings can help you safeguard your skin and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
The UV Index rises dramatically as the day unfolds, starting from a calm 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it gently increases to 1, signaling a mild sun presence. As the clock strikes 9:00 AM, it nudges to 2, but things heat up quickly from there. At 10:00 AM, the index jumps to 5, then surges to a formidable 9 by 11:00 AM. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM with a blistering 12, but it doesn't stop there! 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM witness the highest levels, both hitting 14, making it crucial to seek shade or lather on sunscreen. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the index easing to 12 at 3:00 PM, then 9 at 4:00 PM, and tapering off to 5 by 5:00 PM. As the sun starts to set, it cools down to 2 at 6:00 PM, and eventually settles at 1 by 7:00 PM, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Stay mindful of those midday rays!
| 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 | 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 | 9 | 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 reveal that the months from February to October are particularly concerning, as most months in this period have an extreme UV Index, peaking at 14 in March, May, June, July, and September. The high-risk months for sun exposure are therefore from February through October, where the recommended burn time is only 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December are slightly less critical with very high UV Index levels of 10 and 9, allowing for burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalajara UVI | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Xolapa | 10 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 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 |