Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of El Alto, Argentina, where the high altitude and sunny climate elevate the risk of ultraviolet radiation exposure. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health. With typical UV levels peaking around midday, reaching up to 5, it's essential to stay informed and take precautionary measures, especially given El Alto's BSh climate, characterized by warm, dry conditions. Whether enjoying outdoor activities or simply spending time in the sun, knowing the UV Index can empower you to protect your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an intriguing pattern of sun exposure. Starting at a gentle 0 during the early hours (07:00 and 08:00), it creeps up to 1 by 09:00, a reminder to enjoy the shade. By 10:00, it registers a 2, marking the emergence of more intense sunlight. As the day progresses, the index peaks at 5 between 12:00 and 14:00, indicating the strongest UV radiation, perfect for a midday stretch outdoors—but remember to protect your skin! Following this peak, the index gradually recedes, falling to 4 at 15:00 and declining further to 1 by 17:00, before settling at 0 again by nightfall at 19:00. A day well spent under the sun, but always with awareness!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 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 experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risk months being January, February, March, October, November, and December, where the index reaches extreme levels of 15 and burn times are as short as 10 minutes. April and September also present considerable risk, categorized as very high with indices of 10, warranting a burn time of just 15 minutes. During the summer months of May, June, July, and August, the UV Index ranges from high to moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of up to 30 minutes in the latter months. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures during high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, and to seek shade whenever possible to avoid harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| El Alto | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| San Miguel de Tucuman UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 |