Last updated: August 1, 2025
In La Vuelta, Mexico, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin in the region's tropical climate, where UV radiation can reach harmful levels. Understanding UV levels is not just about avoiding sunburn; it's essential for protecting your long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With midday UV Index values soaring to 12, the sun’s intensity can be particularly high, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals a dramatic shift in sun intensity. Early hours, from 07:00 to 09:00, maintain a mild UV Index of 1 to 3, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. However, the sun climbs higher, and by 10:00, the index spikes to 6, signaling a shift. At 11:00, it reaches 9, and by noon, it peaks at a scorching 11, indicating high risk for unprotected skin. The intensity remains intense at 12:00 and 13:00, with both hours registering a 12—a clear call to seek shade or apply ample sunscreen. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV Index begins to wane, dropping to 9 at 15:00, then tapering down to 4 by 17:00. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV levels lighten to 2 at 18:00 and retreat to 1 by 19:00, marking the end of the day’s sunlit adventure. Stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Vuelta | 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 |