Last updated: May 3, 2025
In San Antonio, Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's BSh climate offering plenty of sunshine year-round, understanding the daily UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors safely. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when UV ratings can soar to 12, the risk of harmful effects on the skin increases significantly. By being aware of the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring you soak up the beautiful San Antonio sun without risking your health.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a striking pattern of intensity. In the early morning, at 7:00 AM, it begins modestly at 1, gradually ramping up to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, 9:00 AM sees the index soar to 6, reaching a peak of 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a reminder of the midday sun’s potency. In the afternoon, the value dips from 12 at 1:00 PM down to 9 by 2:00 PM, then further decreases to 6 at 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index continues to fall, ending at a minimal 0 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours when the UV index hits 11 and 12!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest values occurring in the spring and summer months. Specifically, from April to September, the UV levels peak at an extreme category of 12, making these the high-risk months for sun exposure. During this period, burn times are notably short, ranging from only 10 minutes. In contrast, the UV Index is lower in the winter months, with January having a high category of 6 and December dropping to a moderate 5, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during high UV months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. Staying informed about the daily UV index can help mitigate the risks associated with sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| 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 |