Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of La Ensenada, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year in a warm Am climate. Awareness of UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV Index values soaring to a risky 14 from 12 PM to 1 PM, it's essential to stay informed and protected during outdoor activities. By knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen, you can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery while safeguarding your skin from harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index (UVI) shows a dramatic rise as the day unfolds, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it escalates to 3, marking the beginning of significant sun exposure. The peak occurs at 13:00, where the UVI reaches a striking 14, indicating extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and further declining to 4 by 17:00. Finally, as the sun sets, the UVI returns to a safe 1 at both 18:00 and 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun protection, particularly during the peak hours from 11:00 to 15:00, where the UV risks are at their highest.
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 | 6 | 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 |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, particularly peaking during the late spring and summer months. From February to September, the region experiences extreme UV exposure, with indexes reaching as high as 14 in June. The highest-risk months for UV exposure are typically March through September, where the burn time is reduced to as little as 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December present a lower risk, categorized as very high, with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with a high SPF, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 4 PM. Proper sun safety measures are crucial to avoid sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Ensenada | 9 | 11 | 12 | 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 |