Last updated: June 2, 2025
In San Sebastián del Oeste, Mexico, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of residents and visitors alike. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially given the town's inviting climate characterized by warmer afternoons. With UV levels peaking at 14 between 1 PM and 3 PM, the risk of overexposure is significant, making it vital to monitor these readings daily. This knowledge empowers individuals to take precautionary measures, ensuring enjoyable outdoor experiences in this charming mountain town while safeguarding their skin.
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of a sunny day’s intensity. Starting from zero at 07:00, the sun's rays gradually strengthen, reaching a level of 1 by 08:00. As the day progresses, the UV index climbs steadily, hitting 2 by 09:00, and then surging to 4 at 10:00. The peak intensity arrives at 12:00 with an impressive 11, followed closely by 13 at 13:00 and peaking at a blazing 14 by 14:00. From there, a gentle decline begins, with the index dropping to 10 at 16:00 and further decreasing to 7 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV index diminishes to 3 at 18:00 and finally returns to 1 by 19:00. Be prepared and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, peaking in the late spring and summer months. From February to October, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, with maximum values of 14 in April, May, and June. High-risk months include March to October, particularly from April to July when burn times are as short as 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to reduce the risk of skin damage. In contrast, November to January sees a drop in UV intensity to very high, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes but still requiring awareness and protection. Overall, maintaining sun safety is crucial throughout the year, especially during the peak months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Sebastian del Oeste | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| 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 |