Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Elena, Argentina, where the climate is classified as Cfa, featuring warm summers and mild winters. Monitoring UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, particularly during midday hours when ultraviolet radiation peaks. With UV Index readings rising to 5 during the day, it’s essential to take proactive measures against excessive sun exposure, especially in this region known for its sunny days. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make a significant difference in maintaining skin safety and wellness under the Argentine sun.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of solar intensity. Starting with a maximum of 0 at 7 AM, it gradually rises to a moderate 5 at 1 PM, where the sun shines its strongest. By 12 PM, the UV Index hits 4, prompting the need for sun protection. The intensity begins to taper off in the afternoon, dropping to 3 by 3 PM, and further decreasing to 1 by 5 PM. As twilight approaches, the UV Index settles back to 0 by 7 PM, signaling the end of the day's sun exposure. Plan accordingly, 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | 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 | 1 | 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 |