Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in El Castillo, Mexico, where the sun's powerful rays can significantly impact skin health. This quaint town enjoys a warm climate, but with that warmth comes the risk of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, particularly during peak hours. Recognizing UV levels is crucial for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining healthy skin. During the hottest parts of the day, you'll notice UV Index values soaring, peaking at 12 between 1 PM and 2 PM, signaling an urgent need for protective measures. Stay informed and safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful sun-soaked days in El Castillo!
From 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, the UV Index remains low at 1, providing a gentle start to the day. However, as the sun climbs higher, the intensity picks up significantly. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 3, and by 10:00 AM, it has surged to 6, signaling the need for sun protection. The peak occurs between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, with the UV Index hitting a blistering 12, the highest reading of the day. After this zenith, there’s a gradual decline; it drops to 9 by 3:00 PM, and by 6:00 PM, it falls to 2 as the sun begins to set. As the day winds down, UV levels decrease back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the critical hours for sun exposure, emphasizing the importance of protective measures during the midday peak.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk occurring from March to September when the UV Index consistently remains in the extreme category (11-12). During these months, the burn time is notably short, at just 10 minutes, meaning that protective measures are crucial. February also marks a high-risk month with a very high UV Index of 9 and a burn time of 15 minutes. As the seasons change, UV exposure decreases, with October and November presenting very high conditions (8-10) but longer burn times of 15 minutes. By December and January, the UV Index falls to 6-7 and the burn time increases to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during the high-risk months to prevent harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Castillo | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 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 |