Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of La Colorada, Mexico, where the sunny, arid climate can lead to high UV exposure. The importance of staying aware of UV levels cannot be overstated, as they play a vital role in preventing sunburns and safeguarding your skin health. With peak UV Index readings soaring to 12 during midday hours, it’s essential to take precautions to protect yourself from harmful radiation. As you enjoy the beautiful weather typical of this desert climate, knowing when the UV levels are at their highest will help you engage in outdoor activities safely while minimizing the risk of long-term skin damage.
During the morning hours, the UV Index starts off low at 1 at 7:00 AM, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the intensity ramps up, peaking at 12 around 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, suggesting a high risk for harm, especially for those spending extended periods outdoors. Post-peak, the index gradually declines, dropping to 7 at 3:00 PM and further down to 1 by 7:00 PM, which indicates a return to minimal risk as the sun sets. For sun enthusiasts, midday offers the most intense UV radiation, making sun protection essential during those hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 9 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, with the highest risks typically occurring from March to September. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 12 in April, May, June, and July, categorized as extreme, where a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. February and October also present high risks with UV Index values at 8 and 9, respectively, requiring 15 minutes for potential burns. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen with high SPF, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours. In contrast, January, November, and December feature lower UV indices, categorizing them as moderate or high, allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities with less risk of sunburn.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Colorada | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 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 |