Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Punta Alta, Argentina, where the sun shines brightly, particularly in the warm months. With levels peaking at 3 during midday, awareness of UV exposure is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Punta Alta's Cfa climate means you can enjoy outdoor activities year-round, but it also brings the need for vigilance against harmful UV rays. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful Argentine sun while safeguarding your skin for the long term.
The UV Index for the day showcases a gradual rise in solar intensity as morning unfolds. From 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the index remains at a low 0, indicating minimal risk from UV rays. As the day progresses, it reaches 1 by 10:00 AM and climbs to a moderate 3 between 12:00 PM and 14:00 PM, marking the peak UV exposure hours. In the late afternoon, the intensity begins to decline, dropping to 1 by 15:00 PM and tapering off to 0 by 19:00 PM. To ensure safety and enjoy the sun responsibly, it's best to seek shade or wear protective clothing during the peak hours of 12:00 PM to 14:00 PM.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk occurring during the winter and early spring months. January and February feature extreme UV indices of 14 and 12 respectively, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring approaches, March sees a slight decrease to a very high index of 10, extending burn time to 15 minutes. Moving into late spring and summer, the UV index drops to moderate levels in May and June, stabilizing around 4 to 3, allowing for safe exposure times of 30 minutes. However, September and October see a resurgence with a high index of 7 and 9, implying burn times of 25 and 15 minutes. As November and December arrive, extreme levels return, with indices of 12 and 13. Visitors and residents are therefore advised to take precautions, especially from January to February and again in November, ensuring adequate sun protection, such as sunscreen and protective clothing, to mitigate risks associated with high UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Alta | 14 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 |
| 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 |