Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Jose, Mexico, where the sun's rays can be both a source of joy and a risk to skin health. As the UV Index peaks during the midday hours, awareness of these levels is essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a climate characterized by mild temperatures and consistent sunshine, San Jose presents unique challenges regarding UV exposure. From the moment the sun rises, the UV intensity gradually increases, peaking at a significant level of 14 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, making it vital to take precautions when outdoors during peak hours. Stay informed and protect your skin in this beautiful region!
Starting off the day with a low UV Index of 1 at 07:00, outdoor activities can be enjoyed with minimal sun protection until the sun climbs higher. As the clock ticks, the UV levels gradually increase, hitting 3 by 09:00 and reaching a notable 6 at 10:00. However, the real peak arrives from 11:00 to 14:00, when the UV Index skyrockets to a blistering 14, calling for serious sun safety measures. Post 14:00, there’s a gradual decline back to 5 by 17:00, and it continues to drop to 1 by 19:00, making late afternoon a far safer time for sun seekers. Remember to relish the day while prioritizing your sun protection during those critical midday 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | 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 exposure varies significantly throughout the year, with January displaying a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, indicating a burn time of 15 minutes. From February to October, the UV Index escalates sharply, peaking at 15 in May and July, falling under the extreme category with a dangerously low exposure limit of 10 minutes before tapering off in November and December. The high-risk months for UV exposure and potential skin damage are therefore from February to October, especially in the summer months. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures during these periods, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| San Jose | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |