UV Index in San Rafael, Mexico

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Rafael, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. Familiarizing yourself with UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. With a climate characterized as semi-arid (BSh), San Rafael faces significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when the index can reach as high as 13 around midday. Stay informed and protect yourself against harmful UV rays, so you can fully embrace all that this vibrant region has to offer!

Hourly UV Index in San Rafael

The UV Index throughout the day presents a striking pattern of escalating intensity. Starting off gently at 1 in the early hours of 07:00 and 08:00, the index begins to rise gradually, hitting 2 by 09:00. A rapid surge follows, peaking at an intense 13 between 13:00 and 14:00. This is the moment when the sun’s rays are most potent, with a risky 11 at 12:00 and a notable 12 by 15:00. As the afternoon begins to wane, the UV index drops, settling back to a manageable 6 by 17:00, and later retreating to 3 and 1 as night falls. Stay safe and protect your skin during the peak hours!

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	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	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	13	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Rafael

The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest values occurring from March to October. The peak months are April and May, both registering an extreme UV Index of 14, where the optimal burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during these high-risk months, as well as in February and March, when the UV index reaches 10 and 12, respectively. In the summer months of June through September, the index remains high at 13, with the risk of skin damage persisting. To minimize exposure, individuals are advised to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen, especially during peak sun hours. As the year winds down, November and December show lower UV levels; however, caution should still be exercised, particularly in November when the UV index is still classified as very high.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Rafael, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in San Rafael. 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 Rafael, 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 Rafael UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Rafael 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 Rafael'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 Rafael	8	10	12	14	14	13	13	13	13	11	8	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