Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of La Plata, Argentina, where the subtropical climate brings sunny days and increased exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but is also essential for long-term skin health. With peak UV readings reaching 5 in the midday hours, it's important to take precautions, particularly during the summer months, to shield your skin from potential damage. Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities in the city’s parks or simply soaking up the sun, staying informed about the UV Index can help you enjoy the sun safely in La Plata's vibrant climate.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at 0 at 07:00, offering a safe environment for morning activities. By 08:00 and 09:00, it creeps up to 1, indicating that while the sun is rising, precautions are still minimal. As the day progresses, the sun intensifies—hitting 2 by 10:00 and surging to 5 at both 12:00 and 13:00, the peak hours for UV exposure. It’s the perfect time to apply sunscreen and seek shade if needed. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 4 at 14:00 and gradually descending to 3 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls back to 1 at 17:00, and finally returns to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00, signaling the end of a day marked by fluctuating UV levels that necessitate careful planning for sun exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index indicates significant seasonal variations in UV radiation exposure, with the highest values occurring from January to March, where levels reach an extreme category (UV Index 14-11) and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. The months of November and December also present similar risks, returning to extreme levels (UV Index 13-14). In contrast, April and August are categorized as high (UV Index 7 and 6), allowing for slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes, whereas May, June, and July are moderate (UV Index 5-3), providing more leeway for safe exposure (30 minutes). As September and October shift to very high (UV Index 8-10), burn times decrease again to 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to prioritize sun safety during high-risk months—especially from January through March and November—by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize potential skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Plata | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 |
| Buenos Aires UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 |
| Rosario UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Mendoza UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Cordoba UVI | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| San Miguel de Tucuman UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 |