Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Rafael de las Tablas, Mexico, where intense sun exposure can lead to serious skin damage. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 14 around midday, awareness of UV risks is key to preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Given the region's arid climate and high elevation, understanding UV levels helps you plan outdoor activities safely, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful surroundings without compromising your well-being. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays!
The UV Index for the day displays a clear progression of intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at 0 at 7:00 AM, the UV exposure begins to rise gradually, reaching 1 by 8:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it escalates to 4, and from 11:00 AM onward, the intensity sharply increases, peaking at an impressive 14 between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. This is the moment to take extra precautions against sunburn, as UV radiation is at its highest. As the afternoon wanes, the index dips back to 7 by 5:00 PM, further declining to 4 by 6:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 by 7:00 PM. This pattern highlights the importance of sun safety during the midday hours when UV levels can be particularly harmful.
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 10 | 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 variations, peaking during the spring and summer months. From February to October, the index consistently falls within the extreme category, with values reaching a maximum of 15 in April and remaining high around 14 to 13 through the summer. Consequently, the high-risk months for UV exposure are from February through September, where burn times are critically low, averaging just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should take precautions during these periods, such as utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. In contrast, November through January sees a slight drop, with UV levels classified as very high, allowing for longer exposure times of 15 minutes without burning, yet vigilance remains essential year-round.
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 Rafael de las Tablas | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 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 |