Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Lazaro Cardenas (El Empalme) is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index provides valuable information about the sun's ultraviolet radiation levels, helping residents and visitors alike to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV exposure, particularly during midday when levels can soar to a critical 14, awareness of these fluctuations is imperative. By staying informed, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely while embracing the vibrant culture and natural beauty of this stunning coastal region.
The UV Index showcases a dramatic rise throughout the morning, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. However, by 10:00, it escalates to 6, signaling the need for protection against the sun. The peak occurs at 13:00 with a soaring 14, suggesting it’s crucial to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 5 by 17:00 before settling back to 1 by 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of being sun-safe during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk months occurring from February to October. During these months, particularly from March to October, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (up to 15), meaning that unprotected skin can burn in just 10 minutes. Additionally, January and November have very high UV levels, where the burn time increases to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take preventive measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, especially when the UV Index is at its highest. Keeping these precautions in mind will help ensure a safer experience when outdoors.
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 |
| Lazaro Cardenas (El Empalme) | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 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 |