UV Index in San Marcos, Mexico

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In San Marcos, Mexico, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, particularly during its warm climate characterized by intense sun exposure. With peak UV levels soaring to an extreme 14 as early as 2 PM, understanding these metrics helps residents and visitors make informed decisions about sun protection throughout the day. By staying informed about UV levels, you can safeguard your skin and enjoy the beautiful San Marcos environment while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure to harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in San Marcos

The UV Index for today presents an intriguing journey through the day’s hours. Starting off at a notable low of 0 at 7:00 AM, it gradually picks up as the sun rises, reaching 1 by 8:00 AM. A marked increase occurs around mid-morning, with the index soaring to 5 by 10:00 AM and peaking at an impressive 14 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This high intensity signifies a vital need for sun protection! As the afternoon progresses, the UV index begins to decline, dipping to 10 at 4:00 PM and tapering down to 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s essential to stay vigilant, particularly during midday hours, to ensure safety under the sun!

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	0	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	2	low	45 min
10:00	5	moderate	30 min
11:00	8	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	14	extreme	10 min
15:00	13	extreme	10 min
16:00	10	very high	15 min
17:00	6	high	25 min
18:00	3	moderate	30 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Marcos

Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with high-risk months spanning from February to October. During this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 15 in April and May. Notably, March to October maintains an extreme exposure category where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. The highest risk for sunburn occurs in early months like February (UV Index 11) and peaks from March to May, where visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution. In contrast, November and December present lower UV Index values categorized as very high (9-10), allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times (15 minutes). To minimize skin damage and health risks, it is advised for individuals to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen, especially during the peak UV hours from late morning to early afternoon.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Marcos, Mexico

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Marcos 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 Marcos'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
San Marcos	9	11	14	15	15	14	14	14	14	13	10	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