Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Rafael Tlanalapan, Mexico. This small town, nestled in a Cwb climate zone, experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 15 around 1 PM, awareness of these intensity levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. By grasping the daily fluctuations in UV exposure, you can better protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful sunny days that San Rafael Tlanalapan has to offer, ensuring a safe and healthy outdoor experience.
The UV Index today reveals a dynamic sun exposure pattern, peaking dramatically as the day unfolds. Starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, reaching a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. However, the real intensity kicks in around 11:00 AM, where the index surges to 10, signaling a high level of UV radiation. The maximum impact is felt at 12:00 PM with a staggering 13, followed closely by an astonishing 15 at 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the levels begin to taper off: 14 at 2:00 PM and 12 by 3:00 PM, leading into a gentler decline through the evening hours, ending the day at a cautious 1 by 7:00 PM. It's clear: the midday sun is not to be taken lightly, so don’t forget your sunscreen during 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months typically from February to October. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 15, categorized as extreme, particularly from April to July, necessitating vigilant sun safety measures. In these months, the burn time is only 10 minutes, indicating a critical need for protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Conversely, November and December see a decrease in UV exposure, categorized as very high, with a lengthened burn time of 15 minutes in those months. Therefore, both visitors and residents are strongly advised to monitor UV levels regularly and take necessary precautions, especially during the warmer, sunnier months to minimize the risk of 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 Rafael Tlanalapan | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |