Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santiago Acatlán, Mexico, where prolonged sun exposure is common due to its Cwa climate. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, ensuring that you enjoy the sunny weather safely. With peak UV Index values soaring to 15 around midday, it’s essential to take precautions during these hours to mitigate the risks associated with high UV exposure. So, whether you're hiking, enjoying outdoor activities, or just soaking up the sun, being informed about the UV Index can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises sharply, reflecting the sun's increasing intensity. Starting off gently at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. The real heat kicks in around 10:00 AM, with the index reaching 5. By 11:00 AM, it sizzles at 9, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a blistering 13. From 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the UV Index hits its zenith at 15, making it imperative to seek shade and apply sunscreen. The intensity gradually tapers off, dropping to 9 by 4:00 PM, 6 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This midday sun offers a vivid reminder of the importance of sun safety as the hours glide by.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months typically from February to October. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 15, categorized as extreme, particularly from April to July, necessitating vigilant sun safety measures. In these months, the burn time is only 10 minutes, indicating a critical need for protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Conversely, November and December see a decrease in UV exposure, categorized as very high, with a lengthened burn time of 15 minutes in those months. Therefore, both visitors and residents are strongly advised to monitor UV levels regularly and take necessary precautions, especially during the warmer, sunnier months to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Santiago Acatlan | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |