Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Zacualpan, Mexico, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense due to its high elevation and tropical climate. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 12 during midday, awareness of these levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The importance of monitoring the UV Index lies in safeguarding your skin health, especially in a region known for its warm, sunny days. By keeping an eye on this essential metric, you can enjoy all that Zacualpan has to offer while protecting your skin from harmful UV exposure.
At dawn, 7:00 AM, the UV Index starts low at 1, signaling a gentle morning sun. As the day unfolds, it gradually climbs to 2 by 8:00 AM, and then to 3 at 9:00 AM, hinting at the sun's increasing strength. The peak intensity occurs between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where it skyrockets to a blistering 11 and 12, urging sun seekers to seek shade and apply sunscreen. Following this zenith, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM, before easing down to 3 at 5:00 PM, and finally returning to a minimal 1 by evening. This hourly breakdown emphasizes the importance of sun safety during the midday hours when UV radiation is most potent.
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 | 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zacualpan | 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 |