Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Jose (San Jose de los Melendez), Mexico, where the Cwa climate brings distinct seasonal variations but consistently high sun exposure. Being informed about UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, particularly during peak hours when the index can reach a maximum of 14 around 2 PM. With the sun’s intensity rising sharply from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, awareness of these levels can help you make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring your days in San Jose are both enjoyable and safe.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index showcases a fascinating progression. Starting off at a gentle 0 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to a modest 1 by 8:00 AM. The intensity picks up at 9:00 AM, reaching 2, and then takes a notable leap to 5 by 10:00 AM. The sun reaches its peak at 12:00 PM, where the index soars to a striking 11, signaling a high level of ultraviolet radiation. This intensity escalates further, hitting an impressive 14 at 2:00 PM—the highest point of the day. As the afternoon transitions to evening, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 12 at 3:00 PM, then sliding to 9 at 4:00 PM, and finishing the day at a soft 1 by 7:00 PM. It's a reminder for everyone to stay protected under the sun, especially during those 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, with highest levels occurring from February to October, where the exposure category remains categorized as extreme for most of that period. Notably, April registers the peak UV Index at 15, signifying the critical risk of sunburn with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are predominantly from February through October, where visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limited sun exposure during peak hours. As UV levels start to decline in November and December, individuals can still expect very high UV Index readings, with burn times of 15 minutes. It is essential for everyone to remain vigilant about sun protection year-round, especially during these high-risk months.
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 |
| San Jose (San Jose de los Melendez) | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 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 |