Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Quintin, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly throughout much of the year. With UV levels reaching a peak of 11 during midday, awareness of these levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. The dry, semi-arid BSk climate of San Quintin increases the risk of UV exposure, making it essential to take protective measures when the sun is at its highest. Stay informed to enjoy the sun safely and protect your skin from harmful effects!
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 and gradually rises as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 4, signaling a good time to enjoy some outdoor activities while still being cautious. However, between 11:00 and 13:00, the UV Index peaks dramatically at 10 and 11, marking the hours of highest intensity when sun safety measures are crucial. As the afternoon progresses, it slowly declines to 8 at 15:00, offering a bit of relief before dropping further to 3 by 17:00. As daylight wanes, the UV Index returns to a low 1 by 19:00, making it safe to enjoy the evening outdoors without concern for UV exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reveal significant variations in exposure risks. From January to December, the UV Index escalates from a moderate level of 5 to an extremely high level of 12 in the summer months of June and July, before tapering off in the fall and winter. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through September, particularly during April to August, when the index consistently hits extreme levels, decreasing only in October to a very high 8. To ensure safety, it is critical for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these months, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, especially when the burn time drops to as little as 10 minutes. By staying informed and cautious, everyone can enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Quintin | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| 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 |