Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Primero de Mayo, Mexico, where the climate boasts a dry, sunny demeanor typical of a BSh zone. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 12 around noon, awareness of these fluctuations can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promote overall skin health. As exposure to high UV radiation can lead to serious skin issues, being informed about local UV conditions empowers the community to take proactive steps for outdoor activities, ensuring a safer, healthier experience under the sun.
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, UV index levels exhibit notable seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring from April through August, when the UV Index peaks at 12—classified as extreme exposure. During these months, the burn time is critically low at just 10 minutes, emphasizing the importance of protection. February and March also present significant risks with a very high UV Index of 8 and 10 respectively, leading to burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially when the sun is at its highest. Conversely, the UV Index decreases significantly in the fall and winter months, reaching a moderate level in December, where a burn time of 30 minutes can be expected.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primero de Mayo | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 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 |