Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Jose de Gracia, Mexico is essential for protecting your skin and promoting overall health. With a climate that exposes residents and visitors to varying UV levels throughout the day, being aware of these levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Typical peak UV Index values can soar as high as 12 around midday, making it crucial to plan outdoor activities accordingly. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful sunshine while safely safeguarding your skin against the risks associated with high UV exposure.
At dawn, 7:00 AM, the UV Index starts low at 1, signaling a gentle morning sun. As the day unfolds, it gradually climbs to 2 by 8:00 AM, and then to 3 at 9:00 AM, hinting at the sun's increasing strength. The peak intensity occurs between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where it skyrockets to a blistering 11 and 12, urging sun seekers to seek shade and apply sunscreen. Following this zenith, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM, before easing down to 3 at 5:00 PM, and finally returning to a minimal 1 by evening. This hourly breakdown emphasizes the importance of sun safety during the midday hours when UV radiation is most potent.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate, peaking during the spring and summer months. January starts with a high UV Index of 7, but by February, it rises significantly to 10, indicating very high risk with a burn time reduced to 15 minutes. The months of March through October consistently exhibit extreme UV conditions, with March and April reaching a peak Index of 13 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. July to September maintain a UV Index of 12, also allowing only 10 minutes for safe sun exposure. As the year progresses, November sees a drop to 8, while December ends with a high UV Index of 6. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution, especially from February through October, utilizing protective clothing, sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose de Gracia | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
| 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 |