August 13, 2026 · Mexico City, Mexico
Capital12,294,193 people
See today's UV index in Mexico City hour by hour below. The UV index shows how strong the sun's ultraviolet radiation is — the higher the number, the faster skin can burn. Values are calculated for Mexico City's coordinates and updated daily.
UV rises later today
Protection windowClear sky
Daylight: sunrise 06:17 – sunset 19:08
Tomorrow: UV 12 at its peak around 12:00
The UV index in Mexico City peaks at 11 (extreme) around 13:00 today. Sun protection is recommended between 08:38 and 15:58, while the index stays at 3 or above. Cloud cover is damping the peak by roughly 12% compared with a clear sky. Tomorrow the index is forecast to peak at 12 around 12:00.
| Time | UV index | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | 0 | Low |
| 07:00 | 0.3 | Low |
| 08:00 | 1.4 | Low |
| 09:00 | 3.9 | Moderate |
| 10:00 | 7.2 | High |
| 11:00 | 9.5 | Very high |
| 12:00 | 10.6 | Very high |
| 13:00 | 10.7 | Very high |
| 14:00 | 8.3 | Very high |
| 15:00 | 5.7 | Moderate |
| 16:00 | 2.9 | Low |
| 17:00 | 1 | Low |
| 18:00 | 0.2 | Low |
| 19:00 | 0 | Low |
| 20:00 | 0 | Low |
Mexico City lies at 19°N. The midday sun reaches 85.5° above the horizon in Mexico City today, and twice a year it passes straight overhead. Elevation is what sets the ceiling for UV, and over Mexico City it is so steep that the rays take the shortest possible path through the atmosphere, and the index can reach extreme values.
The UV index is an international scale describing the strength of the sun's ultraviolet radiation at ground level. It starts at 0 and is effectively open-ended — at mid-latitudes it rarely exceeds 8, while in the tropics and high in the mountains it can pass 11. The higher the number, the less time it takes to get sunburnt.
The UV index depends mainly on how high the sun is in the sky. That is why it peaks around solar noon and is greatest in summer near the longest day of the year. Clouds, ozone, altitude and reflection from snow or water also affect the value.
| UV index | Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Low | No special protection needed. |
| 3–5 | Moderate | Use sunscreen (SPF 30+), seek shade around midday. |
| 6–7 | High | Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Avoid the sun 12:00–15:00. |
| 8–10 | Very high | Extra protection. Limit midday sun exposure. |
| 11+ | Extreme | Avoid the sun at midday. Full protection required. |