Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of San Cristobal, Mexico, to protect against harmful sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 14 during the midday hours, awareness of these figures is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. San Cristobal's temperate climate can be deceiving; while its picturesque landscapes invite outdoor activities, the risk of UV damage is significant. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely and keep your skin in top shape!
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually begins its ascent, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it climbs to 2, but it’s not until 10:00 that the real heat kicks in with a surge to 5. The peak arrives at 12:00, where the index skyrockets to a scorching 12, reaching its pinnacle of 14 at both 13:00 and 14:00. As the afternoon sun starts to wane, the index drops to 12 at 15:00, further declining to 9 at 16:00. As evening approaches, the UV intensity fades, settling at 5 by 17:00, then gently tapering off to 3 at 18:00 and back to a safe 1 by 19:00. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels typically occurring from February to October. During these months, particularly from March to August, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 13 to 14, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. January and November present a very high exposure risk, with burn times of 15 minutes, while December sees a high exposure risk, allowing for a longer burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, especially from February to October, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen to mitigate the risks associated with excessive UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Cristobal | 8 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 |
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 |