Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial in San Mateo Otzacatipan, Mexico, where the climate can expose residents to significant UV radiation. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, especially when the index spikes to a severe level of 14 around midday. With the region's Cwb climate, which features a varied seasonal range, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in protecting your skin from harmful effects while enjoying the sunlit beauty of this vibrant locale.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic rise and fall in sun intensity. Starting off gently, at 7:00 AM, the index registers a low maximum of 1, gradually climbing to 3 by 9:00 AM. The sun's power peaks dramatically at 12:00 PM, reaching a sweltering high of 12, and continues to soar to an intense 14 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. As the afternoon wears on, the index begins to descend, dropping to 9 by 4:00 PM and tapering off to a milder 5 by 5:00 PM. The evening brings a return to cooler levels, with values falling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a day where protection from the sun is crucial during the midday hours, especially when UV levels are at their peak!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal changes, peaking between March and September with values consistently classified as extreme (UV Index 15) and requiring minimal exposure for skin protection. The highest risk months are March, April, May, and September, where the UV Index reaches 15, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Even in January and November, the UV Index remains high at 10, requiring careful sun exposure management. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV radiation can still be intense, so staying vigilant is key.
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 |
| 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 |
| San Mateo Otzacatipan | 10 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 9 |