UV Index in El Centro, Mexico

Last updated: August 1, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in El Centro, Mexico, is vital for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With typical UV levels peaking at an intense 11 to 14 during midday hours, awareness is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Nestled in a BSh climate zone, El Centro experiences abundant sunshine and high UV exposure, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to monitor these levels. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny outdoors while protecting yourself from potential risks associated with extended sun exposure.

Hourly UV Index in El Centro

At dawn, the UV Index starts off quietly at 0 by 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 1 by 8:00 AM. The sun's strength begins to surface by 9:00 AM reaching 2, but it’s not until 10:00 AM that things really heat up, with the index soaring to 5. The peak of the day hits at 12:00 PM, with an intense 11, and it continues to climb, peaking at 14 by 1:00 PM and again at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon unfolds, this intensity wanes, dipping to 13 by 3:00 PM, before gracefully descending to 10 by 4:00 PM. The UV levels decline further to 7 at 5:00 PM and down to 4 by 6:00 PM, finally retreating back to 1 by 7:00 PM. Make sure to protect your skin during those peak hours!

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	4	moderate	30 min
11:00	7	high	25 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