Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Hidalgo, Mexico, where the climate can expose individuals to significant levels of ultraviolet radiation. As the sun's rays reach their peak intensity around noon, grasping the importance of UV levels can play a vital role in sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. Typically characterized by a semi-arid climate (BSk), Hidalgo experiences notable UV exposure risks, especially during the hotter hours of the day when the index can soar to 14. Staying informed about the UV Index not only enhances personal safety but also fosters a healthier lifestyle in this vibrant region.
The UV Index journey throughout the day reveals a striking portrait of sun intensity. Starting from a low of 0 at 07:00, the sun gradually awakens, with levels rising to 1 by 08:00. The real surge begins at 09:00, climbing to 4 by 10:00 and peaking dramatically at 11:00 with a soaring 8. As noon approaches, the index hits its zenith at 12:00 with an impressive 11, followed by a blistering 14 at 13:00 and 14:00, indicating extreme conditions that demand caution. The sun then begins its descent, with a gradual decline to 10 at 16:00, dropping further to 7 by 17:00, and finally retreating to a gentle 4 by 18:00. As evening sets in, the index finishes its day at a mild 1 by 19:00, reminding us of the sun's powerful presence and the importance of sun safety during peak hours.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with peak levels occurring from February to October, where the index consistently rates in the extreme category. Notably, the highest UV Index values of 13 to 15 are recorded in March, April, May, and June, making these months particularly high-risk for skin damage, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As such, visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying high-SPF sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. The risk begins to decrease in November and December, when the UV Index drops to a very high and high category, respectively, allowing for longer exposure times without immediate risk.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |
| Hidalgo | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 |
| 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 |