Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is critical for residents of Ecatlan (Santiago Ecatlan), Mexico, where the combination of altitude and a Cfb climate can lead to significant UV exposure. With levels peaking around 12 to 14 during midday hours, awareness of these UV levels becomes essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Regularly checking the UV Index can help individuals make informed decisions about outdoor activities, mitigating risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. Whether you’re enjoying the picturesque landscapes or engaging in daily routines, knowing the UV Index can safeguard your well-being in this vibrant region.
Throughout the day, the UV Index reveals a dynamic rise and fall in sun exposure, starting gently at a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index spikes to 6 by 10:00 AM and escalates dramatically to its peak of 14 at 1:00 PM. Following this zenith, it gradually descends, settling at 11 by 3:00 PM, before tapering off to a mellow 1 by 7:00 PM. This pattern underscores the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV Index reaches its highest levels, ensuring safety while enjoying the outdoors.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels vary significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from February to October. During this period, the UV index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 14 in May, June, and July, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Notably, March and April also present extreme conditions, making it crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions. The months of November and December show a slight reduction with a UV index of 9 and 8 respectively, falling into the very high exposure category, suggesting that UV protection remains important even in winter. To stay safe, everyone is advised to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and to limit sun exposure during peak hours, particularly in the spring and summer months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecatlan (Santiago Ecatlan) | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| 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 |