Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Villa Gesell, Argentina, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. Monitoring UV levels helps to prevent sunburn and protect skin health against harmful ultraviolet radiation. In this coastal paradise, characterized by its Cfb climate, visitors should be particularly aware of the peak UV Index, which reaches a level of 4 around midday — a time when sun exposure can significantly increase the risk of skin damage. By staying informed about local UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity. In the morning, it starts off low, peaking at 1 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, we see a steady increase with the index reaching 3 by 11:00. The highest point occurs from 12:00 to 13:00, where the UV Index hits a robust 4, indicating a need for sun protection during those hours. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, returning to 2 at 15:00, and then dropping back down to 0 by 18:00, marking the end of significant UV exposure for the day. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly to stay safe under the sun!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from January to March and again in November and December. High-risk months are characterized by an extreme exposure category in January (UV Index 14), February (UV Index 12), November (UV Index 13), and December (UV Index 13), where burn time is limited to just 10 minutes. From March to April, the index remains high but transitions to very high and high categories, allowing slightly longer burn times. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during peak sun hours, to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the summer months approach, UV Index levels decrease to moderate, indicating a more manageable but still notable exposure risk.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Gesell | 14 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 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 |