Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Occidente (San Francisco), Mexico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, making sun safety a priority, especially during the peak hours. With a tropical climate that often brings high UV exposure, the sun can be particularly intense from late morning to early afternoon. As you enjoy the beautiful outdoor conditions, being aware of the UV Index can empower you to take the necessary precautions and enjoy the sun safely.
The UV Index (UVI) shows a dramatic rise as the day unfolds, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it escalates to 3, marking the beginning of significant sun exposure. The peak occurs at 13:00, where the UVI reaches a striking 14, indicating extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and further declining to 4 by 17:00. Finally, as the sun sets, the UVI returns to a safe 1 at both 18:00 and 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun protection, particularly during the peak hours from 11:00 to 15:00, where the UV risks are at their highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, particularly peaking during the late spring and summer months. From February to September, the region experiences extreme UV exposure, with indexes reaching as high as 14 in June. The highest-risk months for UV exposure are typically March through September, where the burn time is reduced to as little as 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December present a lower risk, categorized as very high, with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with a high SPF, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 4 PM. Proper sun safety measures are crucial to avoid sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occidente (San Francisco) | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| 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 |