Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Acalapa, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions during the day, especially given the region's Cfa climate, which features warm, humid summers and mild winters. With peak UV readings soaring to 13 during midday, it's vital to stay informed about UV exposure risks to enjoy the sun safely and protect yourself from long-term skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating a comfortable start to the day. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, inviting early risers to bask in the gentle morning light. However, things heat up quickly: by 10:00, the index reaches 5, and by 11:00, it skyrockets to 9, signaling a peak in solar intensity. The midday sun is relentless, hitting a striking 12 at 12:00. As the clock strikes 01:00 and 02:00, we experience the highest point of the day with a UV Index of 13—a strong reminder to seek shade or apply sunscreen. The intensity starts to taper off after that, with 11 at 03:00 and declining to 8 by 04:00. As evening approaches, the index drops to 4 at 05:00, then further diminishes to 2 by 06:00 and ultimately settles back down to a low level of 1 by 07:00. This fluctuation showcases the significance of UV awareness throughout the day, encouraging everyone to protect their skin, especially during the 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 | 13 | 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 varies significantly throughout the year, with the most intense levels occurring from February to October. The months of February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October are classified in the extreme exposure category, with a UV Index peak of 13 during these months, resulting in a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. Conversely, January and November present a very high risk with a UV Index of 8 and 9 respectively, where burn times stretch to 15 minutes. By December, the UV risks reduce to high, with a burn time of 25 minutes. Residents and visitors should take special precautions during the high-risk months, including using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially from noon to 4 PM when the sun’s rays are strongest. Staying informed and prepared is essential to enjoy the outdoors safely.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acalapa | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| 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 |