Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Matatlan, Mexico, where the sunny climate often leads to elevated sun exposure. With a tropical wet and dry climate (Cwa), Matatlan experiences significant UV levels, particularly during midday hours. Grasping the implications of UV readings—such as a peak index of 14 around 2 PM—can help you take essential precautions to prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health. Being aware of these UV levels is key to enjoying the sun safely and protecting yourself from potential skin damage while basking in Matatlan’s vibrant atmosphere.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index showcases a fascinating progression. Starting off at a gentle 0 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to a modest 1 by 8:00 AM. The intensity picks up at 9:00 AM, reaching 2, and then takes a notable leap to 5 by 10:00 AM. The sun reaches its peak at 12:00 PM, where the index soars to a striking 11, signaling a high level of ultraviolet radiation. This intensity escalates further, hitting an impressive 14 at 2:00 PM—the highest point of the day. As the afternoon transitions to evening, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 12 at 3:00 PM, then sliding to 9 at 4:00 PM, and finishing the day at a soft 1 by 7:00 PM. It's a reminder for everyone to stay protected under the sun, especially during those 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 | 5 | 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 | 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 experiences significant seasonal variations, peaking from February to October with particularly high levels from March to October where it reaches extreme levels of 13 to 14, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, the highest UV Index values occur in March, April, and May. As the year progresses towards winter, the UV Index drops, with January and November marking very high exposure levels (UV Index 9) and longer burn times of 15 minutes, while December shows a slight decline to 8. For both residents and visitors, it is crucial to take preventive measures against UV exposure, especially during the high-risk months of February through October, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours 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 |
| Matatlan | 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 |