Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a beautiful city known for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture. As the sun-soaked climate in this BSk zone often brings high UV levels, particularly from midday to early afternoon, awareness of UV exposure can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. With UV Index values soaring to as high as 15 during peak hours, it's vital to stay informed and take protective measures against harmful UV radiation. Whether you're wandering the cobblestone streets or enjoying outdoor activities, knowing the UV Index can help you enjoy the sun safely.
The UV Index rises dramatically throughout the day, starting with a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it inches up to 2, but the real surge begins at 10:00, jumping to 5. The peak intensity hits at 12:00 with an impressive 13, escalating to a striking 15 from 13:00 to 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to drop, reaching 9 at 16:00 before settling to 6 at 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls further to 3 at 18:00 and concludes the day at 1 by 19:00. It’s essential to protect your skin during those peak midday hours!
| 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 | 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 Miguel de Allende | 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 |