Last updated: June 2, 2025
In San Ignacio, Mexico, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and promotes long-term skin health, especially in a climate like San Ignacio's BSh zone, characterized by intense sun exposure. With midday UV Index levels soaring to a high of 13, it’s essential to be vigilant about sun safety, as a lack of protective measures can lead to serious skin issues. Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking up the sun, knowing the local UV Index can make all the difference in preserving your skin’s health and enjoying the beautiful weather safely.
The UV Index provides a clear picture of sun intensity throughout the day. In the early morning hours, from 07:00 to 09:00, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1. As the clock strikes 10:00, the intensity begins to rise, hitting 5, and then surging to 9 by 11:00. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00, with a striking 12 on the UV scale. The afternoon continues to see peak levels with 13 at both 13:00 and 14:00, urging caution for outdoor activities. A gradual decline follows, with values dropping to 9 at 16:00, and winding down to 6, 3, and finally back to 1 by 19:00. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection, particularly during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from March to October, indicating a period of extreme exposure risk. Notably, the months of April, May, July, and August exhibit a maximum UV Index of 14, where individuals may burn within just 10 minutes of sun exposure. In contrast, the winter months show a decline, with January and February classified as very high (UV Index of 8 and 10, burn time of 15 minutes), and December indicating a high risk (UV Index of 7, burn time of 25 minutes). To protect themselves, visitors and residents should take precautions such as seeking shade, applying sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing during the high-risk months of March through October, especially during midday when the sun's rays are most intense.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Ignacio | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 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 |