Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Nogales, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly in the semi-arid climate of the BSk zone. The UV levels can soar dramatically, peaking at 13 during midday, posing significant risks for sunburn and long-term skin health. Being aware of these levels is essential for preventing skin damage and enjoying outdoor activities safely. With the typical sunshine found in Nogales, recognizing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. Stay informed and stay safe under the sun!
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nogales | 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 |