Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Juan Atenco, Mexico, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense, especially during mid-day hours. With a climate that falls within the Cwb zone, this region experiences significant UV exposure, peaking at a dangerous level of 15 around 1 PM. Knowledge of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for protecting long-term skin health. By staying informed about the UV Index, individuals can take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors while minimizing their risk of UV-related skin damage.
The UV Index data paints a vibrant picture of sunlight intensity throughout the day. Beginning with a mild UVI of 1 at 7:00 AM, the day starts gently, gradually climbing to 3 by 9:00 AM. However, as the sun reaches its zenith, the UVI skyrockets, peaking at an intense 15 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. During these hours, it's crucial to take protective measures against harmful UV rays. As the sun begins to set, the index dips, dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM and returning to a safer 1 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation highlights the importance of staying sun-smart during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the UVI is at its highest.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal UV changes indicate that residents and visitors should be especially cautious from February through October, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 13 to 15, implying a burn time as short as 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure include March through September, where the UV Index remains at 15 for the longest stretch. As such, individuals are strongly advised to protect their skin during these months by wearing appropriate clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. In contrast, January and December present slightly lower risks with a UV Index of 10 and 9, providing a bit more leeway, though protection is still essential. Seasonal awareness of UV levels ensures healthier and safer outdoor experiences for everyone.
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 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| San Juan Atenco | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 |