Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of San Sebastian (Fraccionamiento), Mexico, where the sun's intensity can significantly impact skin health. With typical UV levels peaking at a staggering 14 around midday, awareness becomes essential to protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage. This region, characterized by its BSh climate, often experiences high sun exposure, making it vital for locals and visitors alike to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations. By paying attention to UV Index readings, you can enjoy the beautiful weather while safeguarding your skin’s health.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a dynamic rise and fall, beginning with a maximum of 0 at 7:00 AM. As the sun ascends, the index steadily climbs, reaching 1 by 8:00 AM and hitting 2 at 9:00 AM. The real surge occurs between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where it peaks at an intense 14 at 1:00 PM, indicating the highest potential for skin damage. The index slightly dips to 12 by 3:00 PM but remains significant as the afternoon progresses. By 6:00 PM, it drops to 3, and by 7:00 PM, it's back to a manageable 1. For outdoor enthusiasts, the most crucial hours to seek shade or wear protection are clearly from 10 AM to 2 PM when the sun’s rays are most potent.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | 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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reveal a peak during the late spring and summer months, with the highest UV Index occurring in May at 15 and consistently remaining extreme from February through September, where the burn time is particularly short at just 10 minutes. High-risk months include February to May, as well as June to September, where residents and visitors should exercise caution. It is crucial to protect your skin during these periods, especially from February to April, when even brief exposure can lead to serious sunburn. Advice for residents and visitors is to wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, seek shade during peak sun hours, and remain vigilant about UV levels, particularly in the extreme exposure category months. As the year transitions into November and December, while UV levels decrease to very high and high, it remains important to continue practicing sun safety.
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 |
| San Sebastian (Fraccionamiento) | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 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 |