Last updated: May 3, 2025
In San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. This high-altitude region, characterized by its ET climate, experiences significant UV exposure, particularly from mid-morning to early afternoon, when the UV Index peaks at 10. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With typical sunlight intensity in mind, local residents and visitors alike should take necessary precautions to enjoy the stunning landscape without compromising their skin health. Remember, awareness is your best defense against harmful UV rays!
The UV Index data reveals a fascinating daily pattern, peaking in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting from a maximum of 0 at 07:00, the index gradually rises, reaching a modest 1 by 09:00. It then escalates to a notable 6 at 11:00, before soaring to an impressive 10 at both 13:00 and 14:00—the apex of UV exposure for the day. As the afternoon wanes, the index declines, dropping to 8 at 15:00, further slipping to 5 by 16:00, and settling back down to a gentle 1 by 18:00, before receding to 0 at 19:00. This rhythmic cycle highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 14:00.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, residents and visitors should be aware of significant seasonal changes in UV levels, which peak during the winter months. The highest UV Index is observed in December (22) and February (20), both classified as extreme, with an exposure burn time of just 10 minutes. Other months that are particularly high-risk include January, March, and November, all maintaining an extreme index above 18. Starting in May, the UV levels transition to a very high category, with burn times slightly increasing to 15 minutes but still posing considerable risk. From June through October, the Index fluctuates, with August and September returning to extreme levels. Visitors are strongly advised to take precautionary measures, such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, particularly during these high UV months to mitigate the risks 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 |
| San Antonio de los Cobres | 19 | 20 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 19 | 22 |