Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Diego, Mexico is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn, especially in a region known for its sunny climate. The UV levels can soar to dangerous heights—peaking at a staggering 13 around midday—making awareness essential for both residents and visitors. With risks of skin damage significantly increasing during peak hours, knowing when the sun poses a threat allows you to take proactive measures to protect your skin. Explore how to stay safe while enjoying the beautiful San Diego sunshine, where the allure of outdoor activities can sometimes overshadow the importance of sun safety.
The UV Index today showcased a striking peak during the midday hours, with the highest reading of 13 at 1 PM. Morning started off gently, as the index rose slowly from 1 at 7 AM to 3 by 9 AM, making it a comfortable time for outdoor activities. However, as the sun climbed higher, the index jumped dramatically to 10 at 11 AM and reached its zenith of 12 by noon. The intensity slightly dipped after that, falling to 9 at 3 PM before gradually descending towards the evening. As the day progressed, the UV Index dropped to a calmer 1 by 7 PM, inviting a safer evening for outdoor enjoyment. Be sure to take precautions during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest readings occurring from February to September. These months are classified as high-risk, particularly March through August, when the UV Index consistently reaches an extreme level of 13. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant during these months, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. January and November exhibit a very high UV Index of 9, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 15 minutes. In contrast, December presents a relatively lower UV Index of 8. To safeguard against potential skin damage, it is crucial to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours, especially between a UV Index of 11 and 13.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| 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 |