Last updated: June 2, 2025
In San Carlos, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in a region characterized by a BWh climate. With UV levels often peaking at 12 during midday hours, it's essential to understand how these fluctuations impact your skin. High UV exposure can lead to both immediate effects, such as painful sunburns, and long-term consequences, including skin damage and increased cancer risk. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sun-soaked days in San Carlos while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, peaking at 12 around noon for maximum exposure. Starting from a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, it quickly escalates, hitting 3 by 8:00 AM and reaching a notable 5 by 9:00 AM. The intensity peaks at 11 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, making it crucial to take protective measures during this time. Afterward, the index gradually descends, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, then steadily falling to 2 by 5:00 PM and returning to 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of being sun-smart, particularly in the late morning and early afternoon when UV radiation is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 | 10 | 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, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from April to September, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11-12 and the burn time is as low as 10 minutes. Notably, February and March also present a very high risk, with indices of 8-9 and a burn time of just 15 minutes. As such, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these months, including wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and UV-blocking sunglasses. In contrast, January, November, and December present moderate to high exposure levels, making it safer, with longer burn times of 25 to 30 minutes. Regardless of the season, awareness and proactive measures can help minimize UV damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Carlos | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 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 |