Last updated: May 3, 2025
In San Mateo, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health. With a climate characterized by sunny days and high solar exposure, San Mateo experiences a peak UV Index of 12 during midday hours, indicating a significant risk for harm without proper sun protection. By keeping a close eye on UV readings, residents and visitors can enjoy the sunshine safely while minimizing the impact of harmful rays.
At dawn, the UV Index begins at a cool 0 at 7:00 AM, slowly rising to an early indicator of 1 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity of UV radiation escalates, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a scorching 10, signaling a time when sun protection is essential. The height of midday brings the maximum reading of 12 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, where caution is crucial. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV Index steadily declines, dropping to 10 at 3:00 PM, then further down to 4 by 5:00 PM. The sun’s intensity wanes, offering a welcome reprieve as night approaches, with the UV Index closing out the day at a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January (UV Index 9) through November (UV Index 8), the risk of UV exposure is generally high, especially from February to October, when the UV Index consistently reaches 11 or higher, categorized as extreme. The highest risk occurs in June and July, with a UV Index of 14 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, particularly during these high-risk months. Even during cooler months, such as November and December, with an increased risk of sunburn due to the very high UV Index, appropriate precautions should still be observed to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 8 |
| Guadalajara UVI | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |