Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Pilcaya (San Juan Pilcaya), Mexico, where the semi-arid climate exposes you to significant UV radiation throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels can help protect your skin health and prevent painful sunburns, ensuring your outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. In Pilcaya, peak UV exposure occurs between 11 AM and 2 PM, reaching levels as high as 14, which highlights the necessity for sun protection. By staying informed about UV Index readings, you can take the right precautions to shield yourself from harmful rays and enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a notable rise, peaking at 14 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, which underscores the importance of sun protection during these hours. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the UV levels gradually ascend, reaching a moderate 5 by 10:00 AM. However, as the sun climbs higher, the intensity escalates, hitting a striking 12 at noon. The afternoon continues this trend with sustained values of 14 before beginning to taper off towards the evening, dropping back to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay informed and protect your skin, particularly during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM when UV exposure is highest.
| 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 | 11 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal changes in UV exposure highlight critical periods for residents and visitors. From January to December, the UV Index fluctuates, peaking between March and June with values reaching up to 14, categorized as extreme. This indicates a burn time of just 10 minutes, urging individuals to exercise caution during these months. February through October remains high-risk, particularly with levels at 11 or higher. To ensure safety, it is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply SPF sunscreen frequently, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours, especially from spring through summer. In contrast, November and December experience a slight reduction, with UV Index scores of 9 and 8 categorizing them as very high but still warranting protective measures.
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 |
| Pilcaya (San Juan Pilcaya) | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 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 |