Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in La Pesca, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly and UV exposure can vary significantly throughout the day. As a coastal town in a tropical climate, the likelihood of sunburn and long-term skin damage increases, particularly during peak hours when the UV levels reach their highest, often soaring to 12 around midday. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take necessary precautions to protect your skin, ensuring your time outdoors is enjoyable and safe. Awareness of these vital UV levels not only promotes sun safety but also contributes to overall skin health, helping you to make informed decisions about sun protection during your stay in this beautiful locale.
The UV Index provides crucial insight into sun exposure throughout the day, peaking dramatically during mid-afternoon. Starting gently at 1 from 07:00 to 09:00, it quickly escalates, reaching 5 by 10:00. The heart of the day sees the UV Index soar, peaking at an intense 12 from 13:00 to 14:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the sun begins its descent, the UV levels gradually decline, tapering off to 5 by 17:00, and returning to a safer 1 by sunset at 19:00. For anyone planning outdoor activities, it’s essential to seek shade and protect skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk occurring from March to September when the UV Index consistently remains in the extreme category (11-12). During these months, the burn time is notably short, at just 10 minutes, meaning that protective measures are crucial. February also marks a high-risk month with a very high UV Index of 9 and a burn time of 15 minutes. As the seasons change, UV exposure decreases, with October and November presenting very high conditions (8-10) but longer burn times of 15 minutes. By December and January, the UV Index falls to 6-7 and the burn time increases to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during the high-risk months to prevent harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Pesca | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 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 |