Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Rafael, Mexico is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Elevated UV levels can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, making it essential to stay informed about daily exposure risks. With a BSh climate characterized by hot and sunny days, San Rafael experiences significant UV intensity, peaking at 14 during midday hours, which can quickly escalate the risk of harmful effects. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely, ensuring a healthy and vibrant lifestyle under the Mexican sun.
The UV Index throughout the day tells a compelling story of rising sun intensity. Starting off at a mellow 1 at 07:00 AM, it gradually increases to a moderate 2 by 09:00 AM. As the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the index soars to 5, marking the onset of stronger rays. With the sun at its peak, the index reaches an impressive 11 at 12:00 PM and 14 at 1:00 PM, signaling the highest risk for unprotected skin. Although it remains high at 14 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, it soon begins to dip, falling to 9 by 4:00 PM and further down to 3 at 6:00 PM. As daylight dims, the UV Index retreats to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM, reminding us of the sun's powerful influence during the midday hours. Be sure to protect your skin when the index is at its highest!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | 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 Rafael | 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 |