Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Santo Domingo Tonala, Mexico, where the warm Aw climate frequently exposes individuals to heightened levels of ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels soaring as high as 15 during midday hours, awareness of these numbers isn’t just informative—it’s vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. By comprehending the risks associated with UV exposure, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the sun safely in this vibrant locale. Whether you're lounging by the beach or exploring the town, staying informed about the UV Index will help you make smart choices for your skin and overall well-being.
The UV Index rises dramatically throughout the day, starting with a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it inches up to 2, but the real surge begins at 10:00, jumping to 5. The peak intensity hits at 12:00 with an impressive 13, escalating to a striking 15 from 13:00 to 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to drop, reaching 9 at 16:00 before settling to 6 at 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls further to 3 at 18:00 and concludes the day at 1 by 19:00. It’s essential to protect your skin during those peak midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels vary significantly, with the highest risks occurring from February to October. During these months, the UV Index frequently reaches extreme levels, peaking at 15 in April through July, meaning that a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen liberally. Notably, January and November see a slightly lower UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, resulting in a burn time of 15 minutes. The least intense UV levels occur in December with an index of 9, but vigilance is still advised. Overall, awareness and proactive sun protection are essential to prevent harmful effects from UV radiation throughout the year.
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 |
| Santo Domingo Tonala | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |