Last updated: June 2, 2025
In General San Martin, Argentina, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. Understanding UV levels can help ward off sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially under the region's BSk climate, characterized by hot summers and dry conditions. As UV radiation peaks between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can mean the difference between a fun day outdoors and a painful sunburn. With the UV Index reaching up to 3 in these hours, it's vital for residents and visitors alike to monitor and adapt their sun exposure accordingly.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a notable progression, starting from a comfortable 0 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. As the day unfolds, the index gently rises to 1 by 09:00 and stays steady at 1 until 10:00. A surge occurs around midday, with the UV Index reaching a moderate 2 at 11:00 and peaking at 3 from 12:00 to 14:00, signaling a heightened need for sun protection. In the afternoon, the index gradually declines, dropping back to 2 by 15:00 and tapering down to 1 by 16:00, before returning to a safe 0 by 18:00, then remaining at 0 into the evening. This daily UV pattern highlights the importance of being sun-smart during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels demonstrate significant seasonal variation, with January and February exhibiting extreme exposure at an index of 14 and 12 respectively, resulting in a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk remains high in March with a very high index of 10, before tapering off to high levels in April at an index of 6 and dropping to moderate levels of 4 in May and 3 in June and July. From August onward, the risk gradually increases, peaking again in November with an index of 13 before returning to extreme levels in December. Therefore, for those visiting or residing in the area, it is crucial to exercise extra caution during the winter months and early spring, particularly from January to March and November, when UV exposure is most intense, with recommended protective measures like wearing sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses during these high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General San Martin | 14 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 14 |
| 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 |