Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Xochimilco, Mexico, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. With a Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, awareness of UV levels is essential for protecting your skin and preventing sunburn. The UV Index in Xochimilco can peak at a staggering 13 around midday, highlighting the importance of taking precautions during those hours. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index, you can enjoy the beauty of Xochimilco's picturesque canals while safeguarding your skin health against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating a comfortable start to the day. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, inviting early risers to bask in the gentle morning light. However, things heat up quickly: by 10:00, the index reaches 5, and by 11:00, it skyrockets to 9, signaling a peak in solar intensity. The midday sun is relentless, hitting a striking 12 at 12:00. As the clock strikes 01:00 and 02:00, we experience the highest point of the day with a UV Index of 13—a strong reminder to seek shade or apply sunscreen. The intensity starts to taper off after that, with 11 at 03:00 and declining to 8 by 04:00. As evening approaches, the index drops to 4 at 05:00, then further diminishes to 2 by 06:00 and ultimately settles back down to a low level of 1 by 07:00. This fluctuation showcases the significance of UV awareness throughout the day, encouraging everyone to protect their skin, especially during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with the highest risk months from March to October when the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 12 to 13. During these months, the recommended burn time reduces to just 10 minutes, posing a serious risk to unprotected skin. Specifically, April through September are critical, as the combination of intense sunlight and low burn time necessitates vigilant sun protection measures. Conversely, the UV Index decreases in the winter months, dropping to 8 in January and 9 in November, giving a bit more reprieve, but still warranting caution. Residents and visitors should take serious precautions during the high-risk months by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xochimilco | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| 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 |