Don't Get Burned: Dodge the Peak Sunshine Hours!
By Arthus • Posted April 23 • 2024.
La Paz, Mexico, is a small city that's well-connected and faces many of the world's best beaches. The city is also beautiful, where everything is within reach and close by. Public services function relatively well, and the options for entertainment, shopping, and more are more than plentiful. All this is framed by an ever-present element in this paradise: the sun.
Indeed, the sun in La Paz is intense and bright, no matter the season, it's always there to remind us that this city is actually in a desert. Fortunately, it's also next to the Sea of Cortez, making it an incredible place of contrasts and a unique destination to visit. Make no mistake, here the sun can be more intense than in most other Mexican beach destinations, and this is due not only to its desert location, as I mentioned, but also to its geographical position in the northwest of Mexico. This means that while the weather can feel cool to cold at times, the sun is always high in the sky. In other words, the sky in La Paz is always clear, it's very rare for it to rain, so no matter what, the sun in this city will accompany us all day.
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Now, it's important to take precautions to deal with the sun in La Paz. The most basic are wearing a hat, staying hydrated, and of course, using sunscreen. But, after several years of living in this paradise, I have learned what the locals insisted on telling me since I arrived here: "You can tell the tourists because they're the only ones who go out with the sun up." This means that only tourists are out and about between 2 and 5 pm, the peak sun hours, especially in summer. This is because the locals have learned to live with this sun, managing their schedules in a different way than others. For example, I know people who get up at 3 or 4 am to make the most of the time before the sun gets too intense, a time during which they stay indoors at home or work, to then go out again after 5 or 6 pm.
For someone who had lived in a big city all their life, this seemed a bit strange at first, but it all made sense once I understood why it's better to avoid certain hours of sun in this magnificent city. Don't get me wrong, the city is extremely comfortable, most of its establishments have air conditioning, including ATMs and of course restaurants and hotels. But it's another thing to walk on the street when the sun is at its peak, which is just when the locals seek shelter. The sun at those hours is indeed very strong.
The sun in La Paz can be intense.
Of course, and as with everything, there are exceptions. Near my house, there is a university, and the students have to go out during these hours if they have scheduled classes or activities. I also think about the military personnel stationed nearby who must stand guard throughout the day, regardless of the heat, wearing bulletproof vests, helmets, rifles, and their professional gear. They don't have the luxury of air conditioning nearby. However, it is noticeable how there are fewer people on the streets of the city at these times, I mean walking, because there is always traffic, but it's simply not the same as being in an air-conditioned car compared to walking on concrete streets under the scorching sun.
It's important, then, to follow the wise advice of the locals and avoid walking the streets between 2 and 5 pm, especially if you come in the summer when temperatures can reach 104°F, and the city seems to melt. Of course, if you are at one of its spectacular beaches, it's a different story; the water is cool and delightful, and there's always a shade to shelter under to continue enjoying a magnificent beach day. To know the average temperatures throughout the year in La Paz, you can read this article that discusses that topic in much greater depth...La Paz Mexico Weather.
Again, I reiterate, the city is very comfortable, and there are moments when the sun invites us to jump into the sea or into a restaurant, but it goes no further than that, as long as we stay hydrated and wear a good hat for protection, as well as sunscreen. I know I've mentioned it before, but I like to reiterate it because believe me, you do not want to forget any of these three elements in La Paz. Believe me, I speak from firsthand experience, as I have been sunburned in La Paz for forgetting sunscreen, and it's not pleasant at all. I've had headaches from forgetting a hat and have had to find shelter to be able to return home. Also, I have felt physically very bad when not hydrated, to the point of needing to see a doctor. Never forget these three points. I would also add wearing sunglasses, especially if you are very sensitive to bright light, like the one here in La Paz.
5 Tips to avoid sunburn in La Paz
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1. Wear a hat:
Not a cap, but a hat that covers your head well, as shade here is very important.
2. Use sunscreen:SPF 50 or higher and cream-based is always better; sprays do not provide adequate coverage.
3. Stay hydrated at all times:Drink water or a Coke, but always keep handy your new best friend in La Paz, Electrolito, a rehydrating drink that will help you avoid discomfort from the heat and sun.
4. Always have shade available:If you're at the beach, always have a palapa or umbrella ready, believe me, it's necessary. If you're in the city and it gets too hot, duck into a café or store, as almost all of them have air conditioning here.
5. Avoid being outdoors between 2 PM and 5 PM:If the locals do it, you should too (the beach is different, the water always cools you down).
Extra tip. Don’t forget your sunglasses:The sun here is very bright, and sunglasses will be a great help.
These tips apply not only to La Paz but to any coastal city where the sun and heat are intense. They are easy to follow and will help prevent sunburn.
In conclusion, visiting La Paz is something everyone in the world should do at least once in their lifetime. However, if you come, especially in the summer, don't forget to avoid being on the street between 2 and 5 or 6 pm, when the sun's rays are most intense. Of course, if you are in your hotel's pool or at one of the beaches, the water will make the experience much more pleasant. Just don't be on the street, and never, ever forget to use: a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and stay hydrated. The sun here can indeed be intense.
Enjoy the sun, avoid the sunburn.
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Tastes of La Paz.