Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Heroica Zitácuaro, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index helps you gauge the sun's intensity and indicates the potential risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a Cwb climate characterized by varying elevations and consistent sun exposure, locals need to be particularly vigilant during peak hours (11 AM to 2 PM) when the UV levels can soar to 14—indicating very high risk. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin against harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a notable rise, peaking dramatically at 14 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Early morning starts off mild, with values of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, gradually increasing to 2 by 9:00 AM. As the sun ascends, the intensity intensifies, hitting 5 by 10:00 AM and surging to 9 by 11:00 AM. By midday, the index reaches a scorching 12, a clear warning to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, it maintains high levels at 14 until 2:00 PM, before tapering off to 12 at 3:00 PM, then retreating to 9 at 4:00 PM. Finally, the UV Index descends to 3 by 6:00 PM, and concludes the day at a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember, during peak hours, it's crucial to shield your skin from harmful UV rays!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, the UV Index shows notable seasonal changes, with highest UV levels occurring from February through October. The months of March, April, May, June, July, August, and September consistently fall within the extreme exposure category, peaking at 15 in April. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these high-risk months, as the burn time is as little as 10 minutes during this period. It is advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn. In contrast, November and December see a decrease in UV levels, categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes, suggesting a slight but essential drop in overall sun exposure risk as the year comes to a close.
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 |
| Heroica Zitacuaro | 10 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 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 |