Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Puerto Penasco, Mexico is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the sun-drenched beaches and vibrant outdoor activities this beautiful coastal town offers. The UV Index offers essential insights into ultraviolet radiation levels, helping residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. With Puerto Penasco's sunny BWh climate, UV exposure can reach dangerously high levels, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, peaking at an intense 12—so knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the sun safely. Stay informed and sun-smart!
The UV Index climbs steadily throughout the morning, peaking at 12 around 1:00 PM, signaling a strong potential for skin damage without protection. Starting from a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, the index escalates, reaching a moderate 8 by 10:00 AM. As the sun hits its zenith, the index then soars to an impressive 11 at noon, before slightly dipping to 10 by 2:00 PM. By late afternoon, the index begins to decline, dropping to 5 by 4:00 PM, and tapering off to 3 by 5:00 PM, with the evening returning to a gentle 1. It's essential to stay covered and protected during those peak hours when UV exposure is at its highest!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 during the spring and summer months. From March to August, the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, peaking at 12 in July. This indicates a significant reduction in safe exposure time, particularly during April to June, where the burn time is only 10 minutes under extreme conditions. Conversely, the winter months show a decline in UV exposure, with January and December classified as moderate, offering burn times of 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution and utilize appropriate sun protection, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially from March through October, when UV levels rise and the risk of harmful effects increases dramatically.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Penasco | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| 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 |