Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Zapotitlán de Hidalgo, Mexico, where the warm Cwa climate often leads to heightened sun exposure. With peak UV levels soaring to 13 during midday hours, awareness of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. Knowing when the UV radiation is at its highest allows you to take protective measures, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. Stay informed and safeguard your skin in this sun-kissed region!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, beginning at a safe 0 at 07:00 and peaking dramatically. By 10:00, it escalates to 4, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity reaches 10 at 12:00, and then hits its maximum at 13:00 with a formidable 12. Right after, it slightly dips but remains high at 12 until 15:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 9 by 16:00, and continuing its descent to 1 by 19:00. This fluctuation highlights the importance of being sun-smart during peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 15:00, when the sun is at its strongest.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | 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 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 |
| Zapotitan de Hidalgo | 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 |