Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Diego, Philippines, where the sun can shine intensely throughout the year. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 14 around midday, having awareness of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The tropical climate of San Diego means exposure to UV radiation can be significant, making it imperative to take precautions during the hottest hours. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it ramps up to 4, signaling a day where sun protection becomes important. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 with a staggering 14, the highest point of the day. At 11:00, just before the max, the index hits 13, making midday dangerously bright. After the zenith, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 10 by 14:00, and continuing down to 6 at 15:00. As the evening sets in, the index slips to a safe 1 by 17:00, and finally settles at 0 by 19:00, marking the end of the intense UV exposure. It's a reminder that staying vigilant with sun safety is crucial, especially during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits extreme levels throughout most of the year, with particularly high values during the spring and summer months from March to October, peaking at 15 in March. Notably, February through August maintain a consistent UV Index of 13 to 15, indicating that the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is significant. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety during these high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours. Although November and December see a slight decrease in UV levels, caution is still advised, as even in winter months, the UV Index remains very high to extreme. Always consider a max burn time of 10-15 minutes based on the month when planning outdoor activities.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caloocan City UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Quezon City UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Manila UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| San Diego | 11 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Budta UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
| Davao UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 |