Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Pichataro, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is essential for promoting skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV Index measures the strength of sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which can pose significant risks, particularly in a region characterized by a Cwa climate that boasts sunny days and high altitude. With UV levels peaking at an intense 14 during midday hours, it's crucial for residents and visitors to stay informed about daily UV exposure to protect their skin and enjoy the beautiful landscapes safely. By learning to read and respond to UV Index forecasts, you can ensure your time outdoors remains both enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dramatic rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting from a calm 0 at 07:00, it gradually ticks upward, reaching 1 by 08:00. As the clock strikes 10:00, the UV Index surges to 5, and by 11:00, it climbs to a robust 9. The peak occurs at 13:00 and 14:00, where it hits a thrilling 14—a clear warning for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the intensity begins to drop, falling to 9 by 16:00, and further down to 5 at 17:00. The day wraps up with a gentle decline, ending with a low 1 by 19:00. As such, it’s essential to stay vigilant during the peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 14:00, to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, there are significant fluctuations in UV levels, with the highest indices occurring from February to October. This period sees extreme UV conditions, particularly from March to October where the UV Index consistently registers 14 to 15. January and November reflect very high exposure (UV Index 10) with a burn time of 15 minutes, while December sees a slight dip to a UV Index of 9. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the months of February to October, as these are categorized as high-risk months for skin damage, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours are essential measures to safeguard against harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Iztapalapa UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Pichataro | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| 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 |