Last updated: July 2, 2025
In San Cristobal (El Colorado), Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health against harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburn but also plays a vital role in reducing the long-term risks of skin damage and skin cancer. With its cool temperate climate (Cwb) and high altitude, San Cristobal experiences significant UV intensity, particularly between 10 AM and 3 PM, where values soar to a hazardous 13. Whether you're exploring the vibrant culture or enjoying the stunning landscapes, staying informed about the UV Index can make all the difference in enjoying the sun safely.
The UV Index reveals a dramatic rise in solar intensity as the day progresses. Starting at a low value of 0 at 7:00 AM, it gently climbs to 1 by 8:00 AM. However, by 10:00 AM, the index surges to 5, signaling the onset of midday sun. The peak intensity is reached between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where the UV Index hits a remarkable 13, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines, dropping to 9 by 4:00 PM and tapering down to 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data serves as a crucial reminder to stay protected during those peak hours, especially when the UV Index is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest values occurring between February and September. During these months, particularly from March to May, the index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 15 in May. January, November, and December show relatively high UV readings, with a "very high" exposure category, but the risk of sunburn is notably lower, allowing for 15 minutes of safe exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen every two hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. Stay vigilant, as even short exposure times can be harmful during peak UV periods.
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 |
| San Cristobal (El Colorado) | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 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 |