Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Mateo Rio Hondo, Mexico, where the climate often boasts sunny skies and various outdoor activities. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns but also for safeguarding overall skin health. During the day, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can reach high levels, peaking at a remarkable 15—indicating a serious risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With this knowledge, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful weather while protecting yourself from its potential dangers.
The UV Index data paints a vibrant picture of sunlight intensity throughout the day. Beginning with a mild UVI of 1 at 7:00 AM, the day starts gently, gradually climbing to 3 by 9:00 AM. However, as the sun reaches its zenith, the UVI skyrockets, peaking at an intense 15 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. During these hours, it's crucial to take protective measures against harmful UV rays. As the sun begins to set, the index dips, dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM and returning to a safer 1 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation highlights the importance of staying sun-smart during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the UVI is at its highest.
| 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 | 10 | 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index in the region demonstrates extreme levels from January through September, peaking at 15 in March, April, May, June, July, and September, with only slight decreases to 14 in August and 13 in October. Notably, the high-risk months for sun exposure are predominantly from January to September, where the burn time remains at a critical 10 minutes across these months. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues. In November, the UV index decreases to 11 and falls to 10 in December, indicating a slight reprieve, but continued vigilance is recommended as the exposure level remains significant.
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 Mateo Rio Hondo | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 10 |