Last updated: August 1, 2025
In San Carlos, Mexico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for both residents and visitors alike. With a climate characterized by hot semi-arid conditions, this coastal paradise experiences significant sun exposure throughout the year, making awareness of UV levels essential for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can soar to a hazardous 12, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about UV levels allows you to enjoy the stunning beaches while effectively protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
The hourly UV Index data reveals a striking pattern throughout the day, showcasing how the sun's intensity varies. Starting at 07:00, the UV Index is a mild 1, ideal for enjoying a gentle morning outside. As the sun climbs higher, it peaks dramatically at 12:00 with a scorching 10, warning us to seek shade during the hottest part of the day. The intensity remains high at 13:00 and 14:00, both hitting 12, making sun protection essential. As the afternoon transitions into early evening, a gradual decline is observed, with UV levels dropping to 5 by 17:00 and settling back to 1 by 19:00. It's a clear reminder of how the sun's strength can impact our outdoor plans, emphasizing the need for awareness and precautions during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk occurring from March to September when the UV Index consistently remains in the extreme category (11-12). During these months, the burn time is notably short, at just 10 minutes, meaning that protective measures are crucial. February also marks a high-risk month with a very high UV Index of 9 and a burn time of 15 minutes. As the seasons change, UV exposure decreases, with October and November presenting very high conditions (8-10) but longer burn times of 15 minutes. By December and January, the UV Index falls to 6-7 and the burn time increases to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during the high-risk months to prevent harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Carlos | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| 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 |