Last updated: June 2, 2025
In San Antonio, Mexico, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburns. With the region's BSh climate, characterized by hot and dry conditions, residents and visitors need to stay informed about daily UV levels. Particularly during peak hours, between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can reach a staggering 12—indicating a severe risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Understanding these levels not only helps in planning outdoor activities but also promotes long-term skin protection, allowing everyone to enjoy the abundant sunshine safely.
At dawn, the UV Index starts low at 1 around 07:00, making it a gentle introduction to the day. As the sun rises higher, the intensity increases rapidly, peaking at 12 by 12:00—perfect for sunbathers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking that golden glow. The midday sun commands attention, with values reaching 11 at 11:00 and 13:00, encouraging sun safety precautions. As the afternoon rolls in, the UV Index begins to wane, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and further to 4 by 16:00. By evening, the UV exposure diminishes significantly, settling back to 1 by 19:00, ushering in a gentle dusk. It’s essential to stay informed and safeguard against the sun’s rays, especially during those peak midday hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | 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 |