UV Index Today
UV Index in Mexico City, Mexico Today
Live UV index and hourly forecast for Mexico City. Check the current level before you head out, see when the sun peaks today, and know exactly what protection you need.
Hourly UV forecast
Times shown in Mexico City local time (CST). Data from currentuvindex.com, updated hourly.
What the UV index means in Mexico City
The UV index is a simple 0 to 11+ scale for the strength of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. The higher the number, the faster unprotected skin can burn. In Mexico City, the reading rises and falls through the day and shifts with the seasons, cloud cover, and how high the sun sits in the sky.
Use the live reading above to decide what you need right now. As a rule of thumb: at UV 3 or above, wear sunscreen and a hat; at UV 6 and above, add shade during the middle of the day; at UV 8 and above, treat midday sun with real caution.
UV in Mexico City: geography and seasons
Mexico City lies at 19.4° N, inside the tropics. The midday sun stays high all year, so UV runs high across every season with only a small dip in the cooler months. The city sits about 2,240 m (7,349 ft) above sea level. Because UV rises roughly 10% for every 1,000 m of altitude, that elevation lifts Mexico City's UV noticeably above sea-level cities at the same latitude.
Sources: coordinates and elevation from GeoNames; UV, altitude, and latitude guidance from the World Health Organization and the US EPA.
Sun-safety tips for Mexico City
- Check the current UV index above before spending time outdoors.
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen 15 minutes before going out, and reapply every two hours.
- Seek shade during the strongest midday hours.
- Wear a wide-brim hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Remember that UV passes through light cloud and reflects off water, sand, and snow.