Last updated: June 2, 2025
In San Marcos de León, Mexico, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health. With a Cfa climate, the city experiences significant sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the UV Index soars to a maximum of 14 between 1 PM and 3 PM. This knowledge empowers residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures in staying safe under the sun, ensuring enjoyable outdoor experiences without the worry of damage to skin health.
Starting off the day with a low UV Index of 1 at 07:00, outdoor activities can be enjoyed with minimal sun protection until the sun climbs higher. As the clock ticks, the UV levels gradually increase, hitting 3 by 09:00 and reaching a notable 6 at 10:00. However, the real peak arrives from 11:00 to 14:00, when the UV Index skyrockets to a blistering 14, calling for serious sun safety measures. Post 14:00, there’s a gradual decline back to 5 by 17:00, and it continues to drop to 1 by 19:00, making late afternoon a far safer time for sun seekers. Remember to relish the day while prioritizing your sun protection during those critical midday hours!
| 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV exposure varies significantly throughout the year, with January displaying a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, indicating a burn time of 15 minutes. From February to October, the UV Index escalates sharply, peaking at 15 in May and July, falling under the extreme category with a dangerously low exposure limit of 10 minutes before tapering off in November and December. The high-risk months for UV exposure and potential skin damage are therefore from February to October, especially in the summer months. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures during these periods, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| San Marcos de Leon | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |