UV Index in El Centro, Mexico

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In El Centro, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a BSh climate characterized by high temperatures and abundant sunshine, the UV exposure risks here can be significant, especially during peak hours when the index reaches as high as 14. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day enables residents and visitors to take proactive measures, ensuring they enjoy the sun safely while protecting their skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Recognizing when the UV Index is at its highest can make all the difference in safeguarding your health during outdoor activities.

Hourly UV Index in El Centro

The UV Index for today presents an intriguing journey through the day’s hours. Starting off at a notable low of 0 at 7:00 AM, it gradually picks up as the sun rises, reaching 1 by 8:00 AM. A marked increase occurs around mid-morning, with the index soaring to 5 by 10:00 AM and peaking at an impressive 14 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This high intensity signifies a vital need for sun protection! As the afternoon progresses, the UV index begins to decline, dipping to 10 at 4:00 PM and tapering down to 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s essential to stay vigilant, particularly during midday hours, to ensure safety under the sun!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	0	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	2	low	45 min
10:00	5	moderate	30 min
11:00	8	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	14	extreme	10 min
15:00	13	extreme	10 min
16:00	10	very high	15 min
17:00	6	high	25 min
18:00	3	moderate	30 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in El Centro

The UV Index in the region shows significant seasonal variation, with the highest values occurring from February to October, where exposure is categorized as extreme for the majority of this period. March and April register the peak UV Index at 13 and 15, respectively, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes, emphasizing the need for caution. High-risk months include February through October, when residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety measures. During January, November, and December, while still presenting a very high UV Index of 8 or 9, the burn time increases to 15 minutes, allowing for slightly more leniency. To protect against skin damage, it is crucial to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing, especially during the peak hours of sunlight throughout the high-risk months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for El Centro, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in El Centro. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for El Centro, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare El Centro UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in El Centro compares to other major locations across Mexico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

El Centro's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mexico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Guadalajara UVI	9	11	14	14	14	13	13	13	13	12	9	8
El Centro	8	11	13	15	15	14	14	14	14	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