Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Cinco de Mayo, Mexico, where the sun shines bright and strong, especially during the warm climate months. With UV levels soaring to a staggering 12 around midday, awareness of these indices can be a game-changer in preventing sunburn and safeguarding your skin health. The typical climate here brings increased UV exposure risks, making it essential to monitor these levels and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely. Whether you're soaking up the vibrant festivities or simply basking in the sun, keeping an eye on the UV Index will help ensure a fun and healthy experience under the Mexican sun.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a distinct pattern, peaking sharply during midday. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it escalates to a moderate 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index reaches 3 at 9:00 AM and quickly surges to 6 by 10:00 AM. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12 from noon to 1:00 PM, indicating a time when sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gently declines, with readings of 11 at 2:00 PM and 9 at 3:00 PM. The sunlight begins to wane, returning to 6 by 4:00 PM and tapering off to 3 at 5:00 PM, before sinking back to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM and holding steady until sunset. This data serves as a vital reminder to stay sun-safe, particularly during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking between March and October, where the exposure category is predominantly extreme. Notably, the months of April and May maintain an index of 13, indicating critical sun exposure risks with a burn time of just 10 minutes. March also presents a high risk with a UV index of 12. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant during these months, as skin damage can occur quickly. In contrast, November and December show a reduction in risk, with indices declining to 9 and 7, respectively. Advising individuals to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours is essential, especially in high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinco de Mayo | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| 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 |