UV Index in San Diego, Mexico

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In San Diego, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for ensuring your skin's health in a region known for its beautiful sunshine and warm climate. Understanding UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially as the intensity of ultraviolet radiation peaks sharply throughout the day—from a manageable 1 in the early morning to an extreme 14 around midday. With a BSh climate that brings prolonged sun exposure, knowing how to protect yourself from harmful rays not only enhances your outdoor experiences but also safeguards your overall well-being.

Hourly UV Index in San Diego

As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently, peaking at 1 by 08:00. However, as the day progresses, the intensity ramps up significantly. By 10:00, the index reaches 5, but the real heat kicks in at 12:00, soaring to an intense 11. The peak occurs at 14:00, where it hits a blistering 14—a clear signal to seek shade and protect your skin. After this, the index begins to drop, settling at 12 by 15:00 and gradually descending to 3 by 18:00. As twilight approaches, the UV levels ease back to 1 by 19:00, marking a dramatic contrast to the midday sun's peak. Stay vigilant and wear sun protection during these critical hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	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	14	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Diego

Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from February to October, where the UV Index consistently falls within the extreme range (11-14) for most of that period. During these months, minimal exposure times to sunlight can lead to skin damage, with recommended burn times as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during these peak months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade whenever possible. In contrast, November and December present lower risks, with UV indices dropping to very high and high, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of up to 25 minutes in December. Overall, staying vigilant about UV levels year-round is essential for skin health and safety.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Diego, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in San Diego. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for San Diego, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare San Diego UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Diego compares to other major locations across Mexico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

San Diego's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mexico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
San Diego	8	11	13	14	14	13	14	13	13	12	9	7
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