Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zimatlan de Alvarez, Mexico, where the warm Cwb climate leads to high sun exposure throughout the year. As the sun rises, UV levels can spike rapidly, reaching a dangerous peak of 15 around midday, making it essential to monitor these values to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. By being aware of UV index readings, individuals can take proactive measures, ensuring safe outdoor activities while safeguarding their skin from harmful effects. With Zimatlan experiencing intense sunlight, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in maintaining healthy skin and enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
The UV Index starts low in the morning, with values of 1 at both 07:00 and 08:00. As the day unfolds, it ** climbs steadily**, peaking at a striking 15 during the afternoon hours of 13:00 and 14:00. This indicates an intense level of UV radiation, which necessitates taking precautions against sun exposure. By 15:00, the index begins to dip, indicating a gradual decrease in UV intensity, falling to 5 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the index cools down to 2 at 18:00 and returns to a benign 1 by 19:00. This significant rise and fall highlight the importance of monitoring the UV Index, especially during peak hours when outdoor activities can lead to increased risk of sunburn.
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking from March to October when it reaches the extreme category of 15 during most months. The highest risk months are from February to July, where the UV Index consistently remains above 13, with a particularly concerning reading of 15 in March through July. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, limiting sun exposure to 10 minutes or less and utilizing protective measures such as broad-spectrum sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. As autumn approaches, UV levels gradually decrease, with December and January offering some relief, but even then, a UV Index of 10 indicates that caution is still advised. Stay informed and prioritize sun safety to minimize health risks 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 |
| Zimatlan de Alvarez | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 |