UV Index in San Mateo, Mexico

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In San Mateo, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With high UV levels, especially during midday hours, residents and visitors must be aware of sun exposure to prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. The region's arid climate often leads to elevated UV readings, peaking at 12 around 2 PM, indicating a higher risk for harmful effects from sunlight. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful San Mateo outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin health.

Hourly UV Index in San Mateo

The UV Index for the day showcases a striking peak in solar intensity, particularly between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where it reaches a maximum of 12, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Starting off the day, the index is quite low—measuring 0 at 7:00 AM—but gradually climbs, reaching 6 by 11:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the UV levels soar, peaking before gradually declining in the afternoon: it returns to 6 by 5:00 PM and drops significantly to 1 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to take precautions during the peak hours to protect your skin and health!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	0	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	1	low	45 min
10:00	3	moderate	30 min
11:00	6	high	25 min
12:00	9	very high	15 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	12	extreme	10 min
15:00	11	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Mateo

Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes exhibit a significant shift, with the highest UV Index values occurring from March to September, categorized as extreme. Specifically, the months of March through August consistently show a UV Index of 13, translating to a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. January and February also present a high risk, with UV Index values of 8 and 10, respectively, while burn times remain at 15 minutes. As fall approaches, November drops to a UV Index of 9, and December further decreases to 7, allowing for longer burn times of 15 and 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take extra precautions, especially between March and September, when the risk of sunburn is highest. This includes wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to ensure safety while enjoying outdoor activities.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Mateo, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in San Mateo. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for San Mateo, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare San Mateo UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Mateo compares to other major locations across Mexico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

San Mateo's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mexico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
San Mateo	8	10	13	13	13	13	12	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