Last updated: May 3, 2025
In San Diego, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With high UV levels peaking around noon, understanding these readings can help you effectively prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. The city’s warm, sunny climate contributes to intensified UV exposure, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to remain informed about the daily UV Index. From the moderate levels in the morning to the dangerously high readings in the afternoon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying safe outdoor activities.
The UV Index for today reveals a striking pattern of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting at 7:00 AM, the index is a modest 1, but as the sun rises, so does the intensity—by 10:00 AM, it skyrockets to 7. The peak arrives at noon and 1:00 PM with a blistering 13, indicating a crucial time to protect your skin. As the afternoon progresses, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the index remains high but begins to taper off, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM. The gentle decline continues into the evening, with UV levels plummeting to 1 by 6:00 PM and holding steady until sunset. Be mindful of the midday sun—it’s when the rays are most potent and protection is essential.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | 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 |