Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, as it plays a vital role in protecting your skin and overall health. The UV levels can rise dramatically throughout the day, peaking at a staggering 14 between noon and 1 PM, making it essential to be aware of sun exposure to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Nestled in a Cwb climate zone, San Cristobal boasts a delightful yet challenging climate, where sun safety is paramount, especially when outdoor activities abound. Stay informed and take the right precautions to enjoy the sun safely!
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a dramatic rise, peaking during midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to 3 by 9:00 AM, before surging to an intense 13 by noon. The sun reaches its zenith at 1:00 PM, with a blistering 14, warning outdoor enthusiasts to take extra precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 by 4:00 PM, and then tapering further to 2 by 6:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the day winds down with a safe 1 on the index. Those enjoying the outdoors are reminded to stay protected during the peak hours to avoid harmful UV exposure.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels vary significantly, with the highest risks occurring from February to October. During these months, the UV Index frequently reaches extreme levels, peaking at 15 in April through July, meaning that a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen liberally. Notably, January and November see a slightly lower UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, resulting in a burn time of 15 minutes. The least intense UV levels occur in December with an index of 9, but vigilance is still advised. Overall, awareness and proactive sun protection are essential to prevent harmful effects from UV radiation throughout the year.
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 |
| 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 |
| San Cristobal de las Casas | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |