Last updated: June 2, 2025
In San Pedro Pochutla, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels is vital not only for preventing sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health, especially given the area's tropical climate, which exposes residents and visitors to significant sun risks. During peak hours, particularly around noon, the UV Index can soar as high as 14, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful sunshine while protecting your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity, peaking dramatically around noon. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gently climbs to 3 by 9:00 AM, before hitting a striking 6 at 10:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the UV Index reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM with a blistering score of 12, and then surges to a peak of 14 by 1:00 PM. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 11 at 3:00 PM and further declining to 4 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, a safe 2 is reached by 6:00 PM, and the day ends with a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a clear reminder to stay protected during the peak hours when the sun’s rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking in the spring and summer months. From January to February, the UV Index rises from 10 to 11 and remains in the extreme category through to October, reaching a maximum of 14 in April, May, and June. Notably, March through October are particularly high-risk months for UV exposure, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Conversely, as the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index decreases to 10 and 9, indicating a return to the very high category, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take preventative measures by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours, especially during the high-risk months of March through October.
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 Pedro Pochutla | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 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 |