Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the sun-soaked village of Pinalito de la Cruz, Mexico, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. With UV levels peaking during the midday hours—reaching an intense 13 at 1 PM—understanding these measurements can be your first line of defense against sunburn and long-term skin damage. The Cfa climate typical of the region not only brings beautiful sunshine but also heightened exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while effectively protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, with a modest 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a mild 2, signaling the start of a more sun-intensive day. However, the real intensity kicks in around 11:00 AM, when the index skyrockets to 9. It's at 12:00 PM that the UV rays peak, soaring to an alarming 12, before holding steady at 13 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Though the afternoon sees a decline, with values dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM, the sun still packs a punch. As the sky darkens and evening sets in, the UV Index drops back to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM. Be sure to protect your skin during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 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 UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the warmer months. Starting in January with a UV Index of 8 categorized as very high, the risk escalates rapidly through March and April, reaching an extreme UV Index of 14 in July. The high-risk months are primarily from March to October, where the exposure category remains at extreme, with a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. November and December see a slight decrease in UV intensity, but caution is still advised due to very high exposure levels, particularly in November. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to use sun protection measures, such as sunscreen and protective clothing, during these peak months and limit sun exposure to maintain skin health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinalito de la Cruz | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 |
| 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 |