Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Vicuña Mackenna, Argentina, as this small town basks under a Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Being aware of the daily UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, especially during the peak hours when the index reaches a high of 5. With typical exposure risks peaking around midday, understanding these levels ensures you can enjoy the sun safely, making your time in this vibrant locale not just pleasant but also protective for your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day offers a telling glimpse into solar intensity. Starting low at 07:00 with a UV Index of 0, it gradually rises, reaching 1 by 08:00 and 09:00. By 10:00, it inches up to 2, more noticeable as the day progresses. The peak sunlight unfolds around 12:00 to 14:00, where the index skyrockets to a maximum of 5. As the afternoon wanes, protective measures become less urgent, with the index decreasing to 4 at 15:00 and dropping to 2 by 16:00. By the evening, UV exposure diminishes significantly, descending back to 1 at 17:00 and returning to 0 by 19:00. It’s a classic reminder to stay sun-safe during those midday 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 | 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 | 2 | 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 index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating periods of heightened sun exposure risk. January, February, March, October, November, and December are the high-risk months, with extreme UV levels (UV Index 14-11) and rapid burn times as short as 10 minutes. In contrast, during April and September, the UV index drops slightly to 8, falling into the very high category, requiring vigilance with a burn time of 15 minutes. The summer months of May, June, and July see a moderate UV index, allowing for safer exposure of 30 minutes, while August experiences a transition to a high risk level with a UV index of 6. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take appropriate sun safety measures during these high UV index periods, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.
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 |
| Vicuna Mackenna | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 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 |