UV Index in San Jose, Mexico

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In San Jose, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin issues, making it essential for both residents and visitors. With a climate characterized by warm temperatures and high sun exposure, San Jose often experiences elevated UV levels, especially during peak hours. From a midday index of 14 to a maximum of 13 in the early afternoon, being aware of these risks enables you to take appropriate precautions, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely.

Hourly UV Index in San Jose

At dawn, the UV Index starts off low, with a maximum of 1 at both 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity begins to rise sharply, reaching 3 by 09:00 and jumping to 6 by 10:00. The real heat hits at 11:00, peaking at a scorching 10, before hitting an astonishing 13 at 12:00 and peaking at 14 by 13:00. The afternoon witnesses a slight decline, settling back to 13 at 14:00 and dropping to 11 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the UV Index continues to lessen, falling to 7 at 16:00, and further slipping to 4 by 17:00. By 18:00, it's down to 2, and as night falls, it returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. Be sure to stay sun safe during peak hours when the UV Index soars!

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	6	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Jose

The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variability, with peak levels occurring from February to October, where an extreme rating (UV Index 12-14) is prevalent for most months. January and November feature a very high exposure category, while December sees a slight decrease. March through October are particularly concerning, as these months also have the shortest burn time of only 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of UV-related skin damage. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause harm, so stay vigilant year-round.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Jose, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in San Jose. 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 San Jose, 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 San Jose UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Jose 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.

San Jose'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
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 Jose	10	12	14	14	14	14	14	14	14	13	10	9
Puebla UVI	10	12	14	15	15	15	15	14	14	13	10	9