UV Index in Santiago, Mexico

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Santiago, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, especially in a region characterized by its arid climate and intense sun exposure. With peak UV Index readings reaching as high as 12 in the early afternoon, it’s essential to take precautions during the hottest hours. Prioritizing UV awareness not only ensures your well-being but also allows you to enjoy the outdoor beauty of Santiago safely.

Hourly UV Index in Santiago

As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at a manageable 1 from 07:00 to 08:00. However, things heat up quickly as we move into the late morning; by 10:00, it spikes to 5, reaching 8 at 11:00. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, with an impressive index of 11, closely followed by 12 at 13:00 and 14:00—the sun is at its strongest! A gradual decrease follows, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and continuing down to 4 at 17:00. As the day winds down, the index relaxes further to 2 at 18:00 and returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's clear that today's UV risk peaks around midday, so remember to stay protected during those exposed hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	5	moderate	30 min
11:00	8	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	12	extreme	10 min
15:00	10	very high	15 min
16:00	7	high	25 min
17:00	4	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santiago

The seasonal UV changes in the area show a marked increase from January to October, peaking in the spring and summer months. The high-risk months are from February to October, with the UV Index reaching extreme levels of 11 to 13 in March through September, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes during these periods. Residents and visitors should take precautions to protect their skin, especially between March and October, by wearing sunscreen with high SPF, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible. November and December still present risks with UV Index levels dropping to 8 and 6, but exposure should still be managed as burn times increase to 15 minutes and 25 minutes respectively.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santiago, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Santiago. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Santiago, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Santiago UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santiago compares to other major locations across Mexico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Santiago's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mexico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Santiago	7	10	11	13	13	13	12	12	12	11	8	6
Guadalajara UVI	9	11	14	14	14	13	13	13	13	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