Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of San Antonio Ocotlan, Mexico, where the warm climate and high UV exposure can significantly impact skin health. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it crucial for outdoor activities. With daily UV indices peaking at a staggering 14 during midday hours, it's imperative to take precautions to protect your skin from harmful rays. As you navigate the sunny days in this Aw climate zone, staying informed about UV exposure risks will empower you to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.
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, the UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from February to October. This period is characterized by an extreme risk of UV exposure, where the Index reaches a peak of 14 from April to July and remains high during surrounding months. January and November see a slight decrease to a very high exposure category, while December and October also become very high, with the UV Index dropping to 9. Visitors and residents are advised to take strict precautions, especially from February to October, when the burn time is as low as 10 minutes. It's essential to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seek shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of harmful UV radiation effects.
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 |
| San Antonio Ocotlan | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| 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 |