Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Playa Chica, Mexico is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health under the sun. With its warm Cfa climate, Playa Chica can expose residents and visitors to significant UV radiation, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when levels peak at a staggering UV Index of 14. By being aware of these levels, you can take essential steps to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring a safe and enjoyable time in this beautiful coastal paradise. Embrace the sun wisely, and make informed decisions to shield your skin against high UV exposure!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and remains low until 9:00 AM, when it escalates to 3. The real intensity kicks in around 10:00 AM, reaching 5, and the index climbs dramatically as the day progresses. By 12:00 PM, it peaks at a scorching 12, and an impressive 14 is recorded at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The sun starts to wane after that, with the index gradually dipping to 8 by 4:00 PM, before descending to a gentle 2 by 6:00 PM. The day concludes with a return to a low 1 at 7:00 PM, making it clear that midday sun poses the greatest danger – a reminder of the importance of sun protection during those peak hours.
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels dramatically fluctuate, with the highest risk occurring from February to October. The extreme UV Index reaches its peak in June and July at 14, demanding vigilant sun protection measures. During these high-risk months, minimal burn times of just 10 minutes are recorded, signifying that unprotected skin can be harmed in mere moments. January and November experience a slight decrease with a very high UV Index of 9 and a burn time of 15 minutes, while December and October are at 8 and 12 respectively, still warranting caution. Visitors and residents should ensure to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours, particularly between February and October, to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Playa Chica | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
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 |