Last updated: July 2, 2025
In San Jose el Potrero, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. The high UV levels seen throughout the day, peaking at a staggering 15 around 2 PM, can lead to severe sunburn and long-term skin damage if not managed properly. With the region's Cwb climate, characterized by a mix of temperate and tropical elements, residents and visitors alike face increased risks from UV exposure, especially during the midday hours. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, peaking in the early afternoon. At 07:00, it starts at a safe level of 0, gradually rising to 1 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index spikes dramatically, reaching 5 by 10:00 and soaring to a striking 12 at noon. The intensity peaks further at 13:00 with a maximum of 14, and then hits a scorching high of 15 at 14:00. As the day progresses, the UV levels begin to taper off; they drop to 13 at 15:00, then decline steadily, hitting 6 by 17:00 and tapering down to 1 by 19:00. These numbers remind us to take care during the midday hours when sun protection is essential!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | 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 |
During the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk occurring from February to October, where the UV Index consistently reaches 12 or higher, classifying it as extreme. Particularly high-risk months include March, April, May, June, July, August, and September, all maintaining an index of 14 or higher, thus posing a burn time of merely 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December exhibit lower, though still very high, UV levels, with burn times stretching to 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially in the high-risk months to mitigate the significantly increased 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 Jose el Potrero | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 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 |