Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Papaloapan, Mexico, where the subtropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, especially as the index can soar dramatically—from a moderate 3 at 9 AM to an intense 15 by 1 PM. This variety in UV radiation underscores the importance of protecting your skin during peak hours. With Papaloapan's warm climate and consistent sunlight, knowing when it's safest to enjoy the outdoors can help you effectively manage your sun exposure risks.
The UV Index today began its ascent slowly in the early hours, reaching a modest peak of 1 at both 07:00 and 08:00. However, as the sun climbed higher, the intensity increased dramatically, hitting 3 by 09:00, then surging to 5 at 10:00. The afternoon brought the peak of the day, with the index soaring to an impressive 15 from 13:00 to 14:00—a clear reminder to embrace sun protection during these hours. Following this, the index began to wane, gently dropping back to 9 by 16:00, before tapering off to 5 at 17:00 and subsequently falling to 2 by 18:00 and 1 as night approached. Such fluctuations highlight the importance of staying vigilant about sun exposure, especially during 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 12 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with particularly high levels from February to September, where it consistently reaches extreme levels. The highest recorded UV Index occurs in March, April, May, June, and July at 15, signaling a 10-minute burn time for exposed skin. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during these months, taking precautions to protect their skin from potential sunburn and long-term damage. January, November, and December experience slightly lower UV Index values of 10 and 9, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Regardless of the month, it is advisable to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses to ensure safety from harmful UV exposure 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 |
Papaloapan | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |