Last updated: July 2, 2025
In San Marcos Arteaga, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and ensuring long-term health. With the region's Cwb climate, characterized by a combination of temperate weather and high altitude, residents and visitors face significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours. Understanding these levels helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of skin damage. Typically reaching a maximum UV Index of 15 around midday, it's essential to take precautions when outdoors in order to enjoy the radiant sun while safeguarding your skin.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 3, prompting a little caution as the sun gains strength. However, the real intensity kicks in around 10:00 AM, with the UV Index soaring to 6, signaling a need for sun protection. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM, hitting an impressive 13, and from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, it maintains 15, marking a high risk for unprotected skin. As the day progresses into the afternoon, the index gradually declines to 10 at 4:00 PM, then drops to 6 by 5:00 PM, before evening brings relief with values returning to 2 by 6:00 PM and finally settling at 1 by 7:00 PM. Enjoy the sun, but don’t forget your sunscreen during those peak hours!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays a consistent pattern of extreme levels from January to July, with values peaking at 15 in March through June. This indicates a significant risk for skin damage, with a minimal exposure burn time of just 10 minutes throughout these months. The intensity slightly decreases in August and September to 14, followed by a drop to 13 in October and 11 in November. December shows a further decline to a very high level of 9, allowing for a lengthened burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures, particularly during the high-risk months from January to October, by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to maintain skin health and safety.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |
| 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 |
| San Marcos Arteaga | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 |