Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Santa Maria, Argentina, especially given its Cfa climate, which brings warm summers and ample sunshine. By being aware of daily UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin from long-term damage. During the peak sun hours, typically between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach 6, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and safeguard your skin health while enjoying the beautiful weather Santa Maria has to offer!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic interplay of sunlight, peaking at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a robust 6. Early risers will enjoy the gentle warmth with a UV Index of 0 at 7:00 AM, slowly climbing to 1 by 8:00 AM. As the morning progresses, it reaches 3 at 10:00 AM and then escalates to its highest at noon. Afternoon hours see a gradual decline, dipping back to 5 at 2:00 PM before gently dropping to 3 by 3:00 PM. As the sun sets, the index retreats below 1 from 5:00 PM onward, concluding with a soothing 0 at 6:00 PM and remaining steady until dusk. Make sure to stay protected during the peak hours, especially when the sun's rays are at their strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 | 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 |