Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Emiliano Zapata, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which peaks between 10 AM and 2 PM—making it essential for residents and visitors to understand their exposure levels. High UV levels can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, so taking precautions is vital, especially considering the region's tropical climate that promotes consistent sunlight throughout the year. With UV Index values soaring to 13 around noon, understanding and monitoring these levels is key to ensuring safe outdoor activities and maintaining healthy skin in the sun-drenched environment of Emiliano Zapata.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its day at a modest 1 at 07:00, signaling a low risk for sun exposure. As the sun climbs higher, the index rises steadily, reaching 2 by 08:00 and 3 at 09:00. The peak occurs around 12:00, where it soars to an impressive 12, indicating a very high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity slightly decreases in the afternoon, with readings of 13 at 13:00 and tapering to 9 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the UV levels drop, returning to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours from 11:00 to 15:00 when the UV Index is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest risk months typically occurring from March to October. During this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, particularly peaking at 13 from March to July. This translates to a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. February also sees a high UV Index of 10, while January stands at 8, indicating very high exposure levels. As we transition towards the end of the year, November and December mark a decline, with indices of 8 and 7 respectively, accompanied by longer burn times of 15 to 25 minutes. Given these insights, it is crucial for visitors and residents to prioritize sun protection during the high-risk months, particularly from March to October, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emiliano Zapata | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 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 |