Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Javier, Mexico, where the sun can be a double-edged sword. With high UV levels, especially around midday, awareness of these exposure risks is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. As a BSh climate zone, San Javier experiences a hot and dry climate that can significantly amplify UV radiation. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays isn't just about comfort—it's about your long-term health and well-being. Stay informed and stay safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it increases to a moderate 3, but the real surge comes just before noon. The index peaks at an intense 12 during the midday hours, specifically at 12:00, urging sun protection for those outdoors. Following this high, a gradual decrease occurs, with the values declining to 10 by 14:00, then tapering off to 7 at 15:00. As the day wanes, the UV intensity drops significantly, falling to 1 by 19:00, signifying a much safer period for sun exposure. This hourly UVI cycle illustrates a clear pattern: the importance of seeking shade and wearing sunscreen during the peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the summer months with values consistently at 12, categorized as extreme from April through August. The highest-risk months for UV exposure are February to April, when the index reaches its maximum of 12 and burn times drop to a mere 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun protection during these months, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. As autumn approaches, the UV Index gradually declines, with October still presenting a high risk at 9; however, by December, it falls to a moderate level of 5, allowing for longer safe exposure times of approximately 30 minutes. Adjusting sun safety practices according to these changes will help mitigate risks associated with UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Javier | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 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 |