Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Santa Maria, Argentina, where the subtropical climate (Cfa) often leads to elevated sun exposure. The UV levels can vary significantly throughout the day, peaking at a moderate 5 between noon and 1 PM, making it essential to stay informed for effective sunburn prevention and skin health. With the risk of harmful UV rays increasing during the warmer months, awareness can help you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the chances of skin damage and long-term health issues. Stay vigilant, protect your skin, and embrace the beautiful sunny days Santa Maria has to offer!
The UV Index data for the day reveals a progressive ascent in solar intensity, starting from a peaceful 0 at 07:00. As the sun rises higher in the sky, it peaks at 5 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a moderate risk for sun exposure. 11:00 and 10:00 see values of 4 and 2 respectively, signaling an increasing need for sun safety measures. As the afternoon unfolds, readings gently descend, dropping back to 3 by 15:00 and tapering to 0 after 18:00. Overall, it’s a day where vigilance is key during the midday hours, while mornings and evenings offer a respite from harmful rays.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |
The seasonal UV changes reveal significant fluctuations, with the highest UV Index levels recorded from January to March, where the index hits an extreme 15, necessitating only 10 minutes for skin to start burning. As spring approaches, April sees a decrease to a very high level of 10, allowing for slightly longer exposure at 15 minutes before burning. The summer months of May to July feature a moderate UV Index ranging from 5 to 6, with burn times extending to 25-30 minutes. However, high-risk months return in August, and from September to November, where UV levels reignite to extreme and very high categories. Notably, October and November pose significant risk again with indices of 13 and 14, respectively, allowing for just 10 minutes before burn. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, especially during January through March and October through November, by utilizing protective clothing, sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during these peak times to avoid skin damage.
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 |
| Santa Maria | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 |
| San Miguel de Tucuman UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 |