Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Barranca Seca, Mexico, where the climate is characterized by warm summers and mild winters. With peak UV levels soaring to a dangerous 14 around midday, it’s vital to be aware of the sun’s intensity. High UV exposure not only increases the risk of painful sunburn but also poses long-term threats to skin health, including accelerated aging and skin cancer. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful, sunny days that Barranca Seca has to offer. Remember, when UV levels are high, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen can go a long way in safeguarding your skin!
The UV Index today follows a striking pattern, peaking dramatically through the midday sun. Starting off gently at 1 during the early hours of 07:00 and 08:00, the index climbs steadily, reaching a moderate 3 by 09:00. As the day progresses, anticipation builds, leading to a notable surge at 10:00 with a peak of 5. However, it's 11:00 to 14:00 where the sun truly asserts itself, with the UV Index soaring to 9 at 11:00, hitting an impressive 12 at 12:00, and reaching its apex at 14:00 with 14. The intensity begins to decline post-noon, slipping to 12 at 15:00, 9 at 16:00, and tapering off to 2 by 18:00, before returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. Stay protected during those peak hours when the sun's rays can be particularly harsh!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months. From January to March, the index is relatively high, with values reaching up to 9 in January but climbing to an extreme 14 by April through July. February and March pose particular risks, with extreme levels and burn times as short as 10 minutes. The summer months of June and July maintain this extreme index, while August and September see a slight decrease but remain at 13. As October approaches, the UV Index remains critical at 12, transitioning to safer levels in November and December with values of 10 and 8, respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months, particularly from February to October, by wearing appropriate sun protection, seeking shade, and limiting sun exposure to avoid skin damage.
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 |
| Barranca Seca | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 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 |