UV Index in San Diego, Mexico

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in San Diego, Mexico is crucial for everyone who enjoys the abundant sunshine this beautiful coastal city offers. With peak UV levels soaring as high as 13 around midday, being aware of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. The BSh climate of San Diego, characterized by its warm, sunny days, presents significant risks of overexposure, especially between late morning and early afternoon. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the sun safely.

Hourly UV Index in San Diego

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing as the day unfolds. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 5, signaling outdoor enthusiasts to take note. The peak of the day arrives at 12:00 with a blistering 11, quickly followed by an even more intense 13 at 13:00 and 14:00. As afternoon wanes, the UV levels dip, dropping to 9 by 16:00 and further to 5 by 17:00. The evening sees a gentle decline, with the index falling back to 3 at 18:00 and concluding the day at a safe 1 by 19:00. It's crucial to protect your skin during those peak 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	13	extreme	10 min
15:00	12	extreme	10 min
16:00	9	very high	15 min
17:00	5	moderate	30 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