Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health in La Reforma (Kilometro 9), Mexico, where the sun can be both a source of joy and a hidden danger. The UV Index provides essential information about potential sunburn risks and helps you make informed choices about sun protection throughout the day. With the region’s Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, it's important to be aware that UV levels can peak significantly, especially between 11 AM and 2 PM, reaching extremes as high as 13. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor climate while minimizing your risk of skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low at 1 by 07:00, making it a safe time for morning activities. However, as the day progresses, there's a sharp increase in UV intensity, peaking dramatically at 12 by 12:00 and reaching a maximum of 13 between 13:00 and 14:00. This period marks the highest risk for sun exposure, encouraging precautions like sunscreen and protective clothing. In the late afternoon, the index gradually declines, dipping to 10 at 15:00 and dropping further to a safe 1 by 19:00, signaling a return to low UV risk as the sun sets. Remember, staying vigilant during high UV hours, especially from 11:00 to 14:00, is essential for skin safety!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with the highest risk months from March to October when the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 12 to 13. During these months, the recommended burn time reduces to just 10 minutes, posing a serious risk to unprotected skin. Specifically, April through September are critical, as the combination of intense sunlight and low burn time necessitates vigilant sun protection measures. Conversely, the UV Index decreases in the winter months, dropping to 8 in January and 9 in November, giving a bit more reprieve, but still warranting caution. Residents and visitors should take serious precautions during the high-risk months by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Reforma (Kilometro 9) | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| 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 |