Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of La Mesilla, Mexico, where the sun's rays can be deceptive yet powerful. This guide highlights the significance of monitoring UV levels, particularly for preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. With a semi-arid climate (BSk), La Mesilla often experiences high UV exposure, especially during peak hours where the index can soar to 14, indicating extreme risk. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while effectively protecting your skin from its harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to reach 2 by 9:00 AM. The intensity ramps up sharply, hitting 5 at 10:00 AM and soaring to a peak of 14 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. It's critical to stay protected, especially during this prime time, as the UV Index touches a high of 12 at noon. Afterward, the index begins to decline, slipping to 9 by 4:00 PM and tapering off to 3 at 6:00 PM, before settling back down to a low of 1 by 7:00 PM. This data clearly highlights the urgency of sun safety during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its most intense.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index in the region exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking from February to October, with extremely high levels reached in March, April, May, June, July, August, and September, where the UV Index consistently registers at 14 to 15. These months carry a burn time of just 10 minutes, indicating a critical risk for sunburn and skin damage. Conversely, during January, November, and December, the UV Index falls to levels classified as very high (9 to 10), allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during the high-risk months (February through October), ensuring the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to safeguard against UV radiation.
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 |
La Mesilla | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 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 |