Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Altar, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the daily UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention, as prolonged exposure to high UV radiation can lead to serious skin issues. With a semi-arid climate that often sees high UV readings—peaking at an intense 12 around noon—residents and visitors alike need to stay vigilant. By checking the UV Index regularly, you can enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin safe from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off mild at 1 at 07:00, making it safe to enjoy the morning outdoors. By 08:00, it increases to 3, signaling the need for light protection. However, the real intensity kicks in as the clock strikes 10:00, with the index peaking at a robust 12 by 12:00 and 13:00. During these hours, the sun’s rays are at their strongest, reaching a maximum of 11 at 11:00. As afternoon transitions into evening, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and gradually falling to 1 by 19:00. To make the most of your day, plan your outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon for a safer experience under the sun!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant fluctuations, reflecting changing seasonal conditions. From January (UV Index 5) to November (UV Index 6), the levels start moderate and peak in the summer months. The highest risk months are typically from March to September, where the UV Index reaches extremes between 10 and 12, with minimal burn times of just 10 minutes. By April and May, caution is crucial as these months have an extreme exposure category. As the year winds down, October marks a notable decrease in UV rays, but still warrants attention due to a very high index of 8. For residents and visitors, it's essential to protect your skin during peak UV months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. Always stay vigilant, especially from late winter through early autumn, to enjoy outdoor activities safely.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Altar | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
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 |