Last updated: August 1, 2025
In El Zapotillo, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its arid climate characterized by intense sunlight, the UV levels can become dangerously high, especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 3 PM, where readings soar to a maximum of 12. Understanding these UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures against harmful sun exposure, ensuring that outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. Whether you're lounging outside or exploring the region's beauty, being UV-aware is key to protecting your skin from the sun's potent rays.
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, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk occurring from March to September. During these months, particularly from April to August when the UV Index reaches extreme levels (13-12), the recommended burn time drops to only 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade when possible. Notably, February and March also present very high levels of UV exposure, with burn times as short as 15 minutes, necessitating awareness even in the early spring. In contrast, winter months like January and December feature a reduced UV Index, although caution is still advised. Overall, prioritizing sun safety is essential, especially during peak months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Zapotillo | 7 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 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 |