Last updated: July 2, 2025
In La Union, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful solar radiation. Understanding UV levels can mean the difference between enjoying a sunny day and suffering from painful sunburns or long-term skin damage. With a climate characterized by warm temperatures and ample sunshine, La Union experiences varying UV exposure risks throughout the day, peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when levels can reach as high as 12. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin health while reveling in the vibrant outdoor lifestyle that La Union has to offer.
At dawn, the UV Index starts low at 1 by 7:00 AM, providing a gentle reminder of the sun's presence. As the morning progresses, the index climbs to 3 by 8:00 AM, and then peaks at 12 around noon, signaling intense sun activity. The sun's rays are strongest at 11:00 AM with a maximum of 10, making it crucial to protect your skin during this time. Though the UV Index begins to decline after midday, it remains significant at 11:00 AM and 9 by 2:00 PM. By the late afternoon, the numbers drop to 4 at 4:00 PM and further descend to 1 by 6:00 PM. Plan your sun exposure wisely, taking care to avoid the peak hours when protection is vital!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest values occurring in the spring and summer months. Specifically, from April to September, the UV levels peak at an extreme category of 12, making these the high-risk months for sun exposure. During this period, burn times are notably short, ranging from only 10 minutes. In contrast, the UV Index is lower in the winter months, with January having a high category of 6 and December dropping to a moderate 5, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during high UV months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. Staying informed about the daily UV index can help mitigate the risks associated with sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Union | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 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 |