Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sonoita, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly in a BWh climate. This awareness empowers you to take proactive measures against harmful UV radiation, helping to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With peak UV levels soaring to 12 during the midday hours, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential for enjoying the beautiful outdoors safely. As you navigate the stunning landscapes of Sonoita, staying informed about UV exposure risks can make all the difference in maintaining your well-being under that radiant sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00, it ramps up to 3, but it’s between 9:00 and 11:00 that it truly peaks, reaching a striking 11 at 12:00 PM, the hour when sun protection becomes essential. The afternoon sun keeps its intensity, maintaining a strong 12 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. However, as the day progresses, the index starts to dip, falling to 10 by 2:00 PM and gradually easing to 5 by 4:00 PM. Finally, the UV Index diminishes to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, signaling the end of the solar intensity. It’s a clear reminder that midday hours demand vigilance against UV exposure! 🌞
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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, seasonal UV changes reveal a significant increase in UV exposure, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the UV Index rises from 5 (moderate) to 7 (high), signaling a gradual need for protection. The high-risk months, particularly from March through September, exhibit extreme levels of UV Index, with values reaching 12, where burn time drops to just 10 minutes. April and May maintain this intensity, while August and September remain at 11, still within the extreme category. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months, including wearing wide-brimmed hats, applying sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. As autumn approaches, UV levels decrease, but attention to sun safety remains important into November. During the winter months of December and January, UV exposure is lower, but it’s still advisable to remain vigilant, especially if snow is present, as it can reflect UV rays.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonoita | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 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 |