Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Zacate Colorado Primero (El Moral), Mexico, where the Aw climate brings both sunny days and significant ultraviolet exposure. As the UV levels soar, particularly between 11 AM and 3 PM—reaching a maximum of 13—awareness can mean the difference between enjoying the sun safely and risking painful sunburns or long-term skin health issues. By grasping the daily variations of UV radiation, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and your family, ensuring you enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle that this beautiful region has to offer while minimizing the dangers of excessive sun exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating a comfortable start to the day. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, inviting early risers to bask in the gentle morning light. However, things heat up quickly: by 10:00, the index reaches 5, and by 11:00, it skyrockets to 9, signaling a peak in solar intensity. The midday sun is relentless, hitting a striking 12 at 12:00. As the clock strikes 01:00 and 02:00, we experience the highest point of the day with a UV Index of 13—a strong reminder to seek shade or apply sunscreen. The intensity starts to taper off after that, with 11 at 03:00 and declining to 8 by 04:00. As evening approaches, the index drops to 4 at 05:00, then further diminishes to 2 by 06:00 and ultimately settles back down to a low level of 1 by 07:00. This fluctuation showcases the significance of UV awareness throughout the day, encouraging everyone to protect their skin, especially during the peak 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 | 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV exposure levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months identified from February to September, where the UV Index remains at extreme levels (11-13) and the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Particularly concerning are the peak months of March, April, May, June, July, and September, all categorized as extreme, indicating a strong potential for skin damage within minutes of exposure. Conversely, January and November exhibit very high UV levels (8 and 9, respectively), allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. As we move into December, the UV Index drops to a high level (7), with a burn time of 25 minutes. To safely enjoy the sunny weather, it is advisable for both visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during peak UV hours from 10 AM to 4 PM in those high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zacate Colorado Primero (El Moral) | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 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 |