Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of San Esteban Amatlan, Mexico. With its temperate Cwb climate, the area experiences significant solar exposure, particularly in mid-day hours when the UV Index spikes, reaching levels as high as 15. Being aware of UV levels is vital not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for protecting long-term skin health. With damaging rays peaking between 12 PM and 2 PM, it's essential to take precautions during these hours to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV Index data paints a vibrant picture of sunlight intensity throughout the day. Beginning with a mild UVI of 1 at 7:00 AM, the day starts gently, gradually climbing to 3 by 9:00 AM. However, as the sun reaches its zenith, the UVI skyrockets, peaking at an intense 15 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. During these hours, it's crucial to take protective measures against harmful UV rays. As the sun begins to set, the index dips, dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM and returning to a safer 1 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation highlights the importance of staying sun-smart during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the UVI is at its highest.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | 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 in the region demonstrates extreme levels from January through September, peaking at 15 in March, April, May, June, July, and September, with only slight decreases to 14 in August and 13 in October. Notably, the high-risk months for sun exposure are predominantly from January to September, where the burn time remains at a critical 10 minutes across these months. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues. In November, the UV index decreases to 11 and falls to 10 in December, indicating a slight reprieve, but continued vigilance is recommended as the exposure level remains significant.
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 |
| 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 |
| San Esteban Amatlan | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 10 |