Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of José María Morelos y Pavón, Mexico, where the intense sunlight and dry climate (BSh) elevate the risk of UV exposure. As local UV levels frequently peak around midday, reaching a maximum of 14, awareness is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. By familiarizing yourself with these levels, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself during those peak hours, ensuring that your time outdoors is enjoyable and safe. Stay informed, especially during the sunniest months, to safeguard your skin and well-being from the harsh effects of UV radiation.
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!
| 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 |
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.
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 |
| Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon | 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 |