Last updated: May 3, 2025
In La Fortaleza, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. Understanding the UV levels can help prevent sunburn and promote overall skin health, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful outdoors without the painful consequences of overexposure. With a warm, tropical climate that often sees higher UV levels—particularly during midday—it's essential to stay informed about the daily variations. During peak hours, such as noon where the UV Index reaches a striking 10 and 12 in the early afternoon, awareness is your best defense against the sun's intense rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently, peaking at 1 between 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it ramps up to 2, but the real intensity hits around 10:00, soaring to 5. The midday sun is relentless, with UV levels skyrocketing to 10 at 12:00 and reaching a maximum of 12 between 13:00 and 14:00—a true reminder to protect your skin! The intensity gradually fades as the afternoon wears on, dropping to 10 at 15:00, then decreasing further to 7 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index slips back to a mild 4 at 17:00, and concludes the day with values of 2 and 1 by 18:00 and 19:00, respectively. Ideal conditions for evening strolls!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest values occurring from February through September, marking a period of extreme sun exposure. Notably, March through August are classified as high-risk months, featuring an extreme exposure category with a UV Index consistently at 12 or higher—which necessitates caution, as the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety during these months by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours. As the year progresses, a drop in UV intensity occurs, with October through December seeing lower levels that still warrant attention, particularly in October and November, when the UV Index registers as very high. Taking these precautions can help mitigate the risk of harmful UV exposure year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Fortaleza | 7 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| 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 |