Last updated: May 3, 2025
In El Paranal (Arocha), Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health under the sun. With UV levels reaching a maximum of 13 during midday hours, understanding these levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Given El Paranal's Csa climate, characterized by sunny days and high UV exposure, it's crucial to take proactive measures to shield yourself from harmful rays. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking in the sun, being aware of the UV Index can make a significant difference in maintaining your skin's health.
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise in sun exposure as the day progresses. Starting at 7:00 AM with a mild value of 1, the index climbs steadily to reach 4 by 9:00 AM. However, it's around 11:00 AM that the UV radiation peaks at 10, escalating further to a maximum of 12 at noon. The sun’s intensity continues to be fierce, reaching a high of 13 by 1:00 PM before gradually tapering off. From 2:00 PM, the index starts its descent, hovering at 12 and then dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon transitions into evening, the UV levels diminish significantly, resting at 1 by 7:00 PM. For anyone spending time outdoors, taking precautions during the peak hours is crucial to ensure safety from harmful UV rays.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Paranal (Arocha) | 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 |