Last updated: August 1, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial in Metlaltoyuca, Mexico, where the vibrant climate can lead to intense sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential for safeguarding your skin from harmful effects such as sunburn and long-term health risks like skin cancer. With peak UV Index readings soaring to 12—from late morning through early afternoon—residents and visitors alike should take precautionary measures to protect themselves during these hours. Given Metlaltoyuca's warm climate, knowing when and how to shield your skin from the sun's powerful rays can make a significant difference in your overall skin health and well-being.
The UV Index provides crucial insight into sun exposure throughout the day, peaking dramatically during mid-afternoon. Starting gently at 1 from 07:00 to 09:00, it quickly escalates, reaching 5 by 10:00. The heart of the day sees the UV Index soar, peaking at an intense 12 from 13:00 to 14:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the sun begins its descent, the UV levels gradually decline, tapering off to 5 by 17:00, and returning to a safer 1 by sunset at 19:00. For anyone planning outdoor activities, it’s essential to seek shade and protect skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes show a significant increase in UV Index values from January to October, peaking in June with an index of 13 classified as extreme. The most high-risk months for UV exposure are from March to October, where the index consistently remains 11 or higher. Specifically, March to July features extreme levels, with burn times as short as 10 minutes during this period. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, especially from March to September, to mitigate the risks of harmful UV exposure. As the year progresses, both November and December see a decrease in UV levels, but caution should still be exercised with high risk in November.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metlaltoyuca | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 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 |