Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Santa Maria, Argentina, where the Cwb climate brings unique sun exposure risks. With UV levels peaking between 11 AM and 2 PM, the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage increases significantly during these hours. By staying informed about local UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable experience under the sun. Embrace the natural beauty of Santa Maria while prioritizing your skin health!
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity. Starting off at a cool 0 at 07:00, the index gradually rises, hitting 1 by 08:00. By 10:00, the sun has gained strength, reaching a moderate 3, but it’s over noon that the real heat kicks in. At 12:00, the UV index soars to 7, peaking at an intense 8 by 13:00 and 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV intensity starts to drop—slipping to 6 by 15:00, and further down to 4 at 16:00. The evening brings a gentle reprieve, with values falling back to 2 at 17:00, 1 at 18:00, and finally returning to 0 by 19:00. Remember to stay sun-safe, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV Index values exhibit significant seasonal variations, with extreme risk months dominating the beginning and end of the year. From January to April, and again in September to December, the UV Index remains at 12 or higher, signaling the need for caution as burn times are as short as 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are November and December, peaking at an index of 18 and 17, respectively. In contrast, the summer months (May to August) display slightly lower values, categorized as very high, with burn times extending to 15–25 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures during these high UV periods by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade when necessary to avoid harmful sun 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 |
| San Miguel de Tucuman UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Santa Maria | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 |