Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Cinco de Mayo (Agua Blanca), Mexico, where the sun's rays can pose significant risks to skin health. With a climate characterized by hot summers typical of the Csa zone, awareness of UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. On Cinco de Mayo, when festivities are in full swing, be especially cautious during peak UV hours—the index soars to a dangerous 12 between noon and 2 PM. Stay informed to enjoy the celebrations safely while protecting your skin!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00, remaining steady through the early hours. However, by 09:00, it climbs to 3, signaling the start of stronger rays. The peak intensity strikes at 12:00, reaching an intense 11, followed closely by a maximum of 12 at 13:00 and 14:00, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually decreases from 10 at 15:00 to a more manageable 4 by 17:00, and finally recedes to 2 at 18:00 before settling back at 1 as dusk approaches. It's a day that underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during its mid-day zenith!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 varies significantly throughout the year, with high-risk months typically from February to September, where values reach their peak during April to August at an extreme level of 12. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, especially due to the reduced burn time of just 10 minutes for peak exposure. Even in the earlier months like January, the UV Index of 6 poses a high risk, while October transitions to a lower but still significant 10, necessitating protective measures. To minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, it is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak sun hours, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinco de Mayo (Agua Blanca) | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 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 |