Last updated: July 2, 2025
In San Rafael, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its warm climate and higher sun exposure throughout the year, understanding UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage. During midday hours, the UV Index can soar to as high as 14, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping track of the UV Index, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to protect themselves and enjoy the abundant sunshine without jeopardizing their skin health.
The UV Index rises dramatically as the day unfolds, starting from a calm 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it gently increases to 1, signaling a mild sun presence. As the clock strikes 9:00 AM, it nudges to 2, but things heat up quickly from there. At 10:00 AM, the index jumps to 5, then surges to a formidable 9 by 11:00 AM. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM with a blistering 12, but it doesn't stop there! 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM witness the highest levels, both hitting 14, making it crucial to seek shade or lather on sunscreen. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the index easing to 12 at 3:00 PM, then 9 at 4:00 PM, and tapering off to 5 by 5:00 PM. As the sun starts to set, it cools down to 2 at 6:00 PM, and eventually settles at 1 by 7:00 PM, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Stay mindful of those midday rays!
| 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal UV changes show significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest risk months occurring from February to October, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels, particularly peaking in April and May at 15. During these months, the safe exposure time is reduced to just 10 minutes, highlighting the importance of taking precautions. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to avoid prolonged sun exposure during these months, especially between midday hours, and to consistently apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible. As the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index decreases to levels classified as very high, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 15 minutes, but caution remains essential year-round.
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 |
| 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 |
| San Rafael | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |