UV Index in San Cristobal, Mexico

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In San Cristobal, Mexico, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for promoting skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels is essential for residents and visitors alike, as exposure to high UV radiation can lead to long-term skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. With a predominantly warm climate, San Cristobal sees peak UV levels reaching a maximum of 14 during midday hours, making it vital to stay informed about UV risks throughout the day. By knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in San Cristobal

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and remains low until 9:00 AM, when it escalates to 3. The real intensity kicks in around 10:00 AM, reaching 5, and the index climbs dramatically as the day progresses. By 12:00 PM, it peaks at a scorching 12, and an impressive 14 is recorded at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The sun starts to wane after that, with the index gradually dipping to 8 by 4:00 PM, before descending to a gentle 2 by 6:00 PM. The day concludes with a return to a low 1 at 7:00 PM, making it clear that midday sun poses the greatest danger – a reminder of the importance of sun protection during those 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	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	5	moderate	30 min
11:00	9	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	8	very high	15 min
17:00	5	moderate	30 min
18:00	2	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Cristobal

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking from March through September with values consistently at 13-14, classified as extreme exposure. The highest risk months are from February to September, where the burn time is notably reduced to just 10 minutes. As we move into the tail end of the year, October sees a slight decrease to an index of 12, followed by November and December, which drop to 10 and 9, respectively, categorized as very high with a longer 15-minute burn time. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take appropriate precautions during the high UV months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Cristobal, Mexico

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Cristobal 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 Cristobal'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
Guadalajara UVI	9	11	14	14	14	13	13	13	13	12	9	8
San Cristobal	10	12	13	14	14	14	14	13	14	12	10	9
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