Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Zavala, Mexico, where the climate is characterized by strong sunlight and significant UV exposure throughout the day. With UV levels peaking at a remarkable 13 during midday, being aware of this index is crucial for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. High UV levels can rapidly lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer, making it imperative to take protective measures when outdoors. With Zavala's warm climate, the potential for prolonged sun exposure amplifies these risks, underscoring the importance of checking the UV Index regularly to enjoy the sun safely.
The UV Index for today reveals a striking pattern of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting at 7:00 AM, the index is a modest 1, but as the sun rises, so does the intensity—by 10:00 AM, it skyrockets to 7. The peak arrives at noon and 1:00 PM with a blistering 13, indicating a crucial time to protect your skin. As the afternoon progresses, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the index remains high but begins to taper off, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM. The gentle decline continues into the evening, with UV levels plummeting to 1 by 6:00 PM and holding steady until sunset. Be mindful of the midday sun—it’s when the rays are most potent and protection is essential.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zavala | 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 |