Last updated: July 2, 2025
In San Carlos, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's semi-arid climate and high yearly sunshine, exposing yourself to ultraviolet radiation can lead to sunburns, long-term skin damage, and even skin cancer. The UV Index here can vary dramatically throughout the day, reaching a peak of 12 during the afternoon hours, which poses serious risks if precautions aren't taken. By staying informed about the daily UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sun while safeguarding your skin and ensuring a healthier outdoor experience.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a remarkable ascent and subsequent descent, reflecting the sun's peak intensity. Starting at a gentle 1 in the early hours of 07:00 and 08:00, the index gradually climbs to reach a moderate level of 2 by 09:00. However, it escalates dramatically at 10:00, spiking to 4, and by 11:00, the sun's rays are striking with a powerful force, resulting in a significant 7. The apex occurs at 12:00, hitting a striking 10, and shortly after, it peaks at 11 by 13:00 before achieving its highest mark of 12 at 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, there’s a noticeable decrease, with the index descending to 11 at 15:00, and continuing to decline to 5 by 17:00. By evening, it gently tapers off to 3 at 18:00 and finishes the day at a comfortable 1 by 19:00. With such fluctuations, it’s essential to stay protected during the midday hours when the sun is at its strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk months being March through September. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11-12), leading to a quick burn time of just 10 minutes, necessitating heightened caution. The most critical time is April to August, where exposure is categorized as extreme, indicating a strong potential for skin damage with minimal sun exposure. Conversely, January, December, and November present lower risks with moderate to high exposure categories and longer burn times of 25 to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing, especially during the high-risk months, to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Carlos | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 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 |