Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Los Guajes, Mexico, where the sun can be both a friend and a foe. With UV levels peaking at a dangerous 14 during the afternoons, awareness of these levels is vital for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. Particularly in this Cwa climate, characterized by hot summers, the risk of UV exposure is ever-present. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sunny days safely while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking during the spring and summer months. From February through August, the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels (11-14), with the highest values recorded in March, April, May, and August. Notably, October also remains at an extreme level (12), indicating potential for harmful UV exposure. The high-risk months for UV exposure are thus identified as February through August, where the advised burn time is only 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December present lower UV levels (with indices of 9 and 8), classified as very high, allowing for a slightly longer exposure time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV hours, particularly from late winter through summer.
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 |
| Los Guajes | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 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 |