Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Los Varela, Argentina, where the sun can be especially intense due to its BSk climate. The UV Index offers vital information about harmful ultraviolet radiation levels throughout the day, helping to protect against sunburn and long-term skin issues. As the sun reaches its peak between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, awareness of these UV levels becomes even more important, especially when the index can soar to 7. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in maintaining healthy skin, making it essential for locals and visitors alike to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks.
During the day, the UV Index follows a dynamic pattern, peaking in the early afternoon. At 07:00, the index begins at a safe 0, gradually rising to 1 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the values increase steadily—reaching 2 at 10:00 and then escalating to 4 by 11:00. The intensity spikes at 12:00, soaring to 6, before peaking at an impressive 7 at 13:00. The UV levels then begin to taper off, decreasing to 6 at 14:00 and further dropping to 5 by 15:00. As the afternoon wanes, the index declines to 3 at 16:00, and finally settles back at 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, before returning to 0 by 19:00. This hourly data highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during those peak hours when UV exposure is highest.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk occurring during the winter and early spring months of January through March, where the index hovers between 14 to 15 and is categorized as extreme, allowing for a burn time of just 10 minutes. November and December also remain critical months with an index of 15, emphasizing the need for protective measures. As spring approaches into April and September, the UV Index drops to 10—still within the very high exposure category, with a burn time of 15 minutes. Moving into the summer, from May to August, the risk reduces somewhat with indices of 7 to 6, categorized as high to moderate, allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times. Visitors and residents should take priority in protecting their skin, particularly during high-risk months—applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade—especially in those extreme months for their safety.
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 |
| Los Varela | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| San Miguel de Tucuman UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 |