Last updated: June 2, 2025
In La Palma, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's BWh climate, characterized by long, sunny days, UV exposure can be significant, particularly during peak hours. During mid-day, the UV Index can soar to a high of 12, indicating an extreme level of risk. Being aware of these levels empowers you to take necessary precautions, ensuring that you enjoy the beautiful sun without compromising your skin's well-being. Stay informed, stay safe, and embrace the radiant sunshine of La Palma!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it increases to a moderate 3, but the real surge comes just before noon. The index peaks at an intense 12 during the midday hours, specifically at 12:00, urging sun protection for those outdoors. Following this high, a gradual decrease occurs, with the values declining to 10 by 14:00, then tapering off to 7 at 15:00. As the day wanes, the UV intensity drops significantly, falling to 1 by 19:00, signifying a much safer period for sun exposure. This hourly UVI cycle illustrates a clear pattern: the importance of seeking shade and wearing sunscreen during the peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | 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 Palma | 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 |