Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Santa Catarina Tlaltempan, Mexico, where the climate is characterized as Cwb—a temperate zone that can still expose you to significant UV radiation. Awareness of UV levels plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 14. As you enjoy the beautiful outdoors in this picturesque locality, being informed about daily UV risks can help you safeguard your skin against potential damage, ensuring that every sunlit moment is safe and enjoyable.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins at a safe 1 at 07:00, indicating low levels of ultraviolet radiation. As the morning progresses, it gradually climbs to 3 by 09:00, making sun protection a good idea as we approach midday. The real intensity arrives around 12:00, when the UV Index skyrockets to 13, peaking at 14 by 13:00 and 14:00—conditions that call for extra caution. After this peak, there's a gradual decrease, dropping to 9 by 16:00 and further down to 5 by 17:00, signaling a return to more manageable levels. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls back to 2 by 18:00, finally resting at a low 1 by 19:00. Always remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | 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 UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring from March to October. During these months, particularly from February through October, the UV Index frequently reaches extreme levels, demanding caution from both visitors and residents. March, April, May, June, July, August, and September all see an index of 14 or higher, with July peaking at 15. The burn time during these high-risk months is notably short—just 10 minutes of unprotected exposure can lead to harmful skin effects. Consequently, it is crucial for everyone to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and don protective clothing, particularly during these peak months. Conversely, January, November, and December display lower UV levels with a very high to high exposure category, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes; however, caution is still advised.
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 |
| Santa Catarina Tlaltempan | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |