Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Andres, Mexico, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense due to its BSk climate. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV Index values soaring to 14 around midday, it’s essential to take precautions during these hours to safeguard against the harmful effects of overexposure. Enjoying the sun is a part of life in San Andres, but knowing when and how to protect yourself enhances every outdoor experience.
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 |
As the UV Index fluctuates throughout the year, January to October are particularly critical months for sun exposure. The UV Index peaks in April and May at 15, categorized as extreme, signifying a burn time of just 10 minutes—the highest risk months. February and March also bear extreme UV levels, ranging from 12 to 14, warranting caution. As summer transitions to fall, UV levels remain consistently high from June to September, remaining at 14 for four months. After this peak period, UV levels begin to decline, but November and December still present high risks, with indices of 10 and 8 respectively, suggesting 15 minutes of exposure could lead to burns. To protect yourself, residents and visitors should take precautions by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly during the high-risk months of February through May.
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 Andres | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |