Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Santa Maria, Argentina, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful UV radiation. With the region's Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, UV exposure can vary significantly throughout the day. High UV levels, particularly around midday, pose risks such as sunburn and long-term skin damage. Knowing when to take precautions is vital as UV Index readings can peak at 5 from noon to 2 PM, reminding residents and visitors alike to stay informed and protect their skin for overall health and well-being.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear pattern of rising and falling intensity. Starting from a maximum of 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually increases, reaching 1 by 8:00 AM and maintaining that level until 10:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity spikes to 4 at 11:00 AM, peaking at 5 during the midday hours of 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. This period signifies the most potent sun exposure, calling for protective measures. Afterward, the index begins to decline, dipping back to 3 by 3:00 PM, and settling at 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, it returns to 0, signaling a gentle end to the day's UV intensity. Remember to stay sun-safe 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | 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 |
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 |