Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ciudad Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Mexico is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its BSh climate characterized by high temperatures and abundant sunshine, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure risks, particularly during the peak daylight hours. The UV Index can soar as high as 12 around midday, where even a brief moment of unprotected sun exposure can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the daily fluctuations in UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable time outdoors.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and remains low until 9:00 AM, where it climbs to 3. By 10:00 AM, the index accelerates to a moderate 5, but it’s at 11:00 AM that the heat intensifies, reaching 8. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM with a staggering value of 10, followed by the highest point of the day at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it maxes out at 12. After this peak, the index gradually declines: it drops to 10 by 3:00 PM and continues to decrease to 7 at 4:00 PM. By the late afternoon, the intensity wanes, falling to 5 at 5:00 PM and back down to 2 by 6:00 PM, before settling at 1 again as day turns to dusk by 7:00 PM. Remember to shield yourself during the midday hours when the UV radiation is at its most intense!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, with high-risk months typically falling between February and September. During this time, values soar to extreme levels of 12, especially in May through August, where the recommended burn time is only 10 minutes. In March and April, the index remains in the very high to extreme categories, with burn times decreasing to just 10-15 minutes. As summer gradually transitions into fall, the UV Index begins to decline, allowing for slightly longer burn times in October at 15 minutes, but still indicating a very high risk. For winter months, January, November, and December maintain a high exposure category but extend burn times back to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant, particularly during the peak UV months, taking proactive measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to mitigate the risks associated with intense sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ciudad Gustavo Diaz Ordaz | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
| 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 |