Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Andres, Mexico. With its BSk climate, characterized by warm, sunny days, the risk of harmful UV exposure is notably high, especially during peak hours. Recognizing and monitoring UV levels can safeguard against sunburn and long-term skin health issues, empowering individuals to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. On sunny days, UV Index readings can soar to 14 around noon, indicating extreme risk. Therefore, being informed can make all the difference in protecting your skin while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere that San Andres has to offer.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals an intriguing pattern of intensity. At 7 AM and 8 AM, it remains low at 1, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. But by 9 AM, it begins to rise sharply, reaching a 3. The sun takes center stage around 10 AM, as the index jumps to 6, ramping up to a peak of 14 by 1 PM and 2 PM, marking the height of midday sun exposure. As the clock ticks towards late afternoon, the UV Index starts to decline: 12 at 3 PM, followed by 9 at 4 PM, gradually fading to 3 by 6 PM, and then settling back to 1 as the sun sets at 7 PM. It's a vital reminder to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | 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 |