Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Ignacio, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly in its semi-arid climate. With UV levels peaking as high as 15 during midday, being aware of these levels is not just about sunburn prevention—it's about protecting your long-term skin health. The unique climate in San Ignacio presents a distinct challenge, as the moderate to high UV exposure can lead to serious skin damage if precautions aren’t taken. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding against harmful effects of overexposure to the sun.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises sharply, reflecting the sun's increasing intensity. Starting off gently at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. The real heat kicks in around 10:00 AM, with the index reaching 5. By 11:00 AM, it sizzles at 9, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a blistering 13. From 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the UV Index hits its zenith at 15, making it imperative to seek shade and apply sunscreen. The intensity gradually tapers off, dropping to 9 by 4:00 PM, 6 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This midday sun offers a vivid reminder of the importance of sun safety as the hours glide by.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, peaking during the months of March to October, where values consistently reach a high level of 14 or 15, classified as extreme exposure. Notably, February to May sees the most critical UV levels, with March and April recording the highest at 14 and 15 respectively, leading to a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into winter, months like November and December show a decline, but values remain elevated with UV indices of 9 and 8, resulting in very high exposure and burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, especially from February through October, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize risk of skin damage.
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 |
| San Ignacio | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 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 |