Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Miguel, Mexico, where the sun shines brightly year-round. With a climate classified as BSk, the region experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours. Knowing the UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. For instance, during peak hours around noon and early afternoon, the UV Index can soar to levels as high as 14, pushing the importance of sun safety into the spotlight. By staying informed about UV conditions, you can enjoy the sunny San Miguel days while effectively safeguarding your skin!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low, peaking at 1 during the early hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. However, by 10:00 AM, there’s a notable surge, with the index climbing to 5. The real intensity arrives around 12:00 PM, where it hits an impressive 12, followed by a peak of 14 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins its descent, dropping to 10 by 4:00 PM and further declining to 6 at 5:00 PM. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV Index wanes back to 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a day of strong sun exposure that necessitated precautions during the peak hours.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with high-risk months spanning from February to October. During this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 15 in April and May. Notably, March to October maintains an extreme exposure category where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. The highest risk for sunburn occurs in early months like February (UV Index 11) and peaks from March to May, where visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution. In contrast, November and December present lower UV Index values categorized as very high (9-10), allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times (15 minutes). To minimize skin damage and health risks, it is advised for individuals to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen, especially during the peak UV hours from late morning to early afternoon.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalajara UVI | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| San Miguel | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 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 |