Last updated: July 2, 2025
In San Lorenzo El Chico, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With a high-altitude climate that experiences intense sunlight, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of varying UV levels throughout the day. During peak hours, especially around noon, UV levels can soar to dangerous heights of 12 to 14, elevating the risk for skin damage. Staying informed about these levels not only helps in making safer outdoor plans but also encourages the use of protective measures, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable sun-soaked experience in this beautiful town.
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 |
| San Lorenzo El Chico | 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 |