Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tampico, Mexico, is crucial for protecting your skin and health. With the tropical climate of this coastal city, residents and visitors alike face significant exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly during the peak hours of 11 AM to 3 PM when UV levels soar to a maximum of 12—a value that indicates a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can effectively prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring that your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe. With the right precautions, you can fully embrace Tampico's sunny allure while safeguarding your skin against potential risks.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at a manageable 1 from 07:00 to 08:00. However, things heat up quickly as we move into the late morning; by 10:00, it spikes to 5, reaching 8 at 11:00. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, with an impressive index of 11, closely followed by 12 at 13:00 and 14:00—the sun is at its strongest! A gradual decrease follows, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and continuing down to 4 at 17:00. As the day winds down, the index relaxes further to 2 at 18:00 and returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's clear that today's UV risk peaks around midday, so remember to stay protected during those exposed hours!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest values occurring from February through September, marking a period of extreme sun exposure. Notably, March through August are classified as high-risk months, featuring an extreme exposure category with a UV Index consistently at 12 or higher—which necessitates caution, as the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety during these months by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours. As the year progresses, a drop in UV intensity occurs, with October through December seeing lower levels that still warrant attention, particularly in October and November, when the UV Index registers as very high. Taking these precautions can help mitigate the risk of harmful UV exposure year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampico | 7 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 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 |