Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Akumal, Mexico is crucial for ensuring your sun safety and protecting your skin health. With UV levels soaring as high as 12 during midday, the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage increases significantly. Akumal enjoys a warm Aw climate, which brings plenty of sunny days but also heightened exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps—like wearing sunscreen and seeking shade during peak hours—to enjoy the beauty of this stunning destination while safeguarding your skin.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, peaking at an intense 12 between noon and 1 PM. Starting from a mild 1 at 7 AM, the index escalates, hitting 4 by 9 AM, before reaching 10 at 11 AM. At 12 PM, the sun’s rays intensify, prompting caution as the index remains high at 12 until 1 PM. After this peak, it gradually declines, dropping to 9 by 3 PM, and then descending further to 1 by 7 PM. It's a day that reminds us to stay sun-safe during those peak hours, especially when the UV levels are at their highest!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months from March through October. Notably, the extreme exposure category peaks in June with a UV Index of 14, alongside April, May, July, August, September, and October, when the index ranges from 12 to 13, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. January and February also rank as high-risk months, with indexes of 8 and 10, respectively, highlighting the need for caution during the early year. As visitors and residents, it’s essential to take protective measures against harmful UV exposure, especially between March and October when the risk is at its greatest. Wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours can mitigate the risks associated with high UV levels.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Akumal | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 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 |