Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Barranca de Otates (Barranca de Otatan), understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. With a climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters (Cwa zone), locals and visitors alike need to be aware of how UV levels fluctuate throughout the day. As the sun reaches its peak intensity around midday, the UV Index can soar to a staggering 14, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By tuning into local UV ratings, you can effectively prevent sunburn and promote overall skin health, ensuring your time in this beautiful region is both enjoyable and safe.
During the day, the UV Index experiences a dramatic rise, starting at 0 at 7:00 AM and reaching its peak of 14 by 2:00 PM. The ascent is gradual, with values climbing from 1 at 8:00 AM and hitting 4 by 10:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the intensity of UV rays intensifies, soaring to 11 at 12:00 PM and peaking at 13 by 1:00 PM. However, after 2:00 PM, a notable decline begins, with the index dropping steadily to 6 at 5:00 PM, and further dwindling to 1 by 7:00 PM. It's a classic example of nature’s cycle, showcasing the importance of sun protection during peak hours!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows notable seasonal variations, peaking in the months from March to October. During this period, particularly from February to September, the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels, with burn times as short as 10 minutes. The highest recorded value occurs in April at 15, followed closely by March and May at 14. The months of January, November, and December have a very high UV Index (9-10) but with longer burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures to protect their skin, especially during the high-risk months when the UV Index exceeds 10. Wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM) are essential to minimize the risk of UV-related 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 |
| Barranca de Otates (Barranca de Otatan) | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 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 |