Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in La Mesa, Mexico, is crucial for protecting your skin health year-round. With a climate classified as BSk, residents and visitors alike need to be aware of the potential risks associated with UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to a staggering 13. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential to stay informed. By monitoring UV levels, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sunny weather while safeguarding your skin. This awareness is particularly important during midday hours (11 AM to 1 PM), when the UV Index is at its highest, presenting increased risks for everyone outdoors. Stay safe and make the most of La Mesa's beautiful climate!
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low, peaking at 1 at 07:00. As the morning unfolds, a noticeable increase is seen, reaching 3 by 08:00 and escalating further to 6 at 09:00. However, the sun truly makes its mark by 10:00, soaring to a maximum of 11 at 11:00 and peaking at a striking 13 by 12:00—a prime time to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity starts to wane, dropping to 12 at 13:00, and gradually declining to 10 by 14:00. The UV Index continues its downward trend, reaching 7 at 15:00, 5 at 16:00, and finally settling back to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It’s a clear demonstration of how midday sun can be both powerful and potentially harmful.
| 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 | 13 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences notable changes throughout the year, with peaks from March to September when the levels reach extreme (10-13), particularly in April and June. The highest risk months are March through September, where the burn time decreases to just 10 minutes during peak exposure. In contrast, January, December, and November present moderate to high exposure levels, allowing for longer burn times of up to 30 minutes. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to remain vigilant during the high-risk months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Mesa | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 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 |