Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Salta, Argentina, where the climate can expose individuals to significant sun exposure. With UV levels peaking between 11 AM and 3 PM, it's essential to stay informed to protect your skin from harmful rays and prevent sunburn, which can lead to long-term health issues. Salta's high altitudes coupled with its typically sunny Cwa climate mean that awareness of UV risks is not just beneficial—it's necessary for maintaining skin health and enjoying outdoor activities safely. With maximum levels reaching up to 6, being savvy about sun safety can make all the difference in your time spent under the bright Argentine sun.
The UV Index today showcases a gradual rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at 07:00 with a UV index of 0, the day begins safely, but by 10:00, it increases to 2, prompting caution for those outdoors. The intensity peaks during the early afternoon, reaching a high of 6 at both 13:00 and 14:00, signaling a strong need for sun protection. As the sun begins to set, the index dips, falling back to 3 by 16:00, and gently tapering off to 1 by 18:00, before returning to 0 at 19:00. Stay vigilant during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the winter and early spring months. From January to April, the index remains in the extreme category, with values ranging from 17 to 12 and a consistently short burn time of just 10 minutes. May through August presents a notable decrease, with a shift to very high values between 9 and 10, allowing for longer exposure times of 15 to 25 minutes. As the year progresses into September through November, the UV Index again escalates to the extreme range with indices of 12 to 16 and a reduced burn time of 10 minutes. December returns to the peak at 17. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to practice adequate sun protection during high-risk months, particularly from January to April and September to November, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure to mitigate the risk of 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 |
| San Miguel de Tucuman UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Salta | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 17 |