Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Zacapala, Mexico, where the climate presents unique challenges. With a tropical highland climate (Cwb), Zacapala experiences varying levels of UV radiation, especially during midday hours when the UV Index peaks at an intense 14. Awareness of these UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, as even brief exposure during peak hours can lead to long-term damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Zacapala while safeguarding your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
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 |
| Zacapala | 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 |