UV Index in La Ceiba, Mexico

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of La Ceiba, Mexico, where the tropical climate can lead to surprisingly high levels of ultraviolet radiation. With midday UV indexes soaring as high as 14, being aware of these levels is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. In La Ceiba, where sunny skies and warm temperatures are common, the risk of overexposure is significant, especially in the late morning and early afternoon. Stay informed and protect your skin to enjoy this vibrant coastal city safely!

Hourly UV Index in La Ceiba

The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of intensity, peaking at 14 around 1 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early morning hours remain safe, with values at 1 until 9 AM, but as the sun climbs, so does the UV intensity—reaching 10 by 11 AM. The height of danger occurs during the afternoon when the index soars to its maximum, 13 at 12 PM and 14 at 1 PM, before gradually declining to 4 by 5 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops significantly, returning to 1 by 6 PM. It's crucial to stay protected, especially during the midday hours when the sun's rays are the strongest!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	7	high	25 min
11:00	10	very high	15 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	14	extreme	10 min
14:00	13	extreme	10 min
15:00	10	very high	15 min
16:00	7	high	25 min
17:00	4	moderate	30 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in La Ceiba

The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking predominantly during the summer months. From January to March, the UV Index escalates from 9 (very high) to a peak of 13 (extreme) in April, consistent through July before gradually tapering off in the fall. High-risk months are marked from February to October, with particularly extreme values observed from March to September. During these months, the recommended burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially in April through September when UV levels are highest. As a general rule, remain vigilant about UV exposure year-round, as even in November and December, the UV Index remains high at 9 and 8, necessitating protective measures.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for La Ceiba, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in La Ceiba. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for La Ceiba, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare La Ceiba UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in La Ceiba compares to other major locations across Mexico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

La Ceiba's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mexico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
La Ceiba	9	11	13	13	13	14	13	13	12	11	9	8
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