Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Elena, Argentina, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for reducing the long-term risks associated with skin damage. This picturesque town, characterized by its Cfa climate, sees notable UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when levels peak at 4. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.
At dawn, the UV Index remains nonexistent until 8:00 AM, when it registers a low 1, gradually climbing as the day unfolds. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 2, and as the sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, the index peaks at a moderate 4. This peak is maintained until 2:00 PM, where the sun’s intensity persists, before gradually tapering off in the afternoon. At 3:00 PM, the UV Index drops back down to 3, continuing its decline to 1 by 5:00 PM, and ultimately settling back to 0 by 6:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV radiation fades, highlighting the importance of sun protection during those midday hours when it’s most potent.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | 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 displays significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring during the winter months. From January to March, the UV Index peaks at 15, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. The high-risk months continue into November and December, where the index remains at 14 with the same critical exposure timeframe. During the shoulder months of April and September, the index drops to 9, categorized as very high, allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times of 15 minutes. Summer months see a decline in UV levels, with May to July showing indices between 4 and 6, categorized as moderate to high, permitting up to 30 minutes of safe exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect themselves with sunscreen, appropriate clothing, and seek shade, particularly during the peak months of January, February, March, October, November, and December to mitigate the risks associated with extreme 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 |
| Santa Elena | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 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 |