Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for anyone enjoying the sun-soaked beaches of La Manga, Mexico. With its warm climate and ample sunshine, this stunning destination often sees dangerously high UV levels, making it essential to monitor the UV Index for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. As the UV Index peaks between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, with readings reaching as high as 14, being aware of these levels can help you make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring your time in La Manga is both enjoyable and safe. So, stay informed, lather on the sunscreen, and relish the beauty of this coastal paradise without compromising your skin!
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!
| 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 |
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.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Manga | 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 |