Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors of San Ignacio Cerro Gordo, Mexico, where the climate tends to be both sunny and warm. Being aware of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and preserving long-term skin health, especially given the area's high UV exposure, peaking at an intense 14 in the early afternoon. This means that during the hottest months, the sun’s rays can be particularly harmful—making it essential to plan outdoor activities with UV safety in mind. Whether you're hiking or just enjoying the outdoors, knowing how to protect yourself from harmful UV radiation will help you make the most of the beautiful weather without compromising your health.
The UV Index throughout the day showcased a striking curve, starting at 0 at 7:00 AM and gradually rising as the sun climbed higher in the sky. By 10:00 AM, it reached 4, signaling the need for some sun protection. The index peaked at 14 between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, marking a high point in solar intensity where caution is essential. As the afternoon waned, values dropped back down, hitting 6 by 5:00 PM and gently descending to 1 by 7:00 PM. Overall, the 12:00 to 2:00 PM window was the most critical for safeguarding against harmful UV exposure. Remember to prioritize sun safety during these 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays significant seasonal variations, peaking between March and October with extreme levels recorded from February to October. The highest UV Index occurs in April and May at 15, where the burn time is as little as 10 minutes. January experiences a very high UV Index of 9, while November and December see a decline to 10 and 8 respectively, returning to very high levels with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during high-risk months, particularly from February to October, and take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is most intense.
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 Ignacio Cerro Gordo | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 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 |