Last updated: May 3, 2025
In San Luis, Argentina, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take proactive measures against harmful sun exposure. With a BSk climate characterized by its dry, semi-arid conditions, UV risks can peak during midday hours, with the index reaching a maximum of 5 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Recognizing these trends is crucial to enjoying the outdoors safely and minimizing the long-term effects of UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day offers a telling glimpse into solar intensity. Starting low at 07:00 with a UV Index of 0, it gradually rises, reaching 1 by 08:00 and 09:00. By 10:00, it inches up to 2, more noticeable as the day progresses. The peak sunlight unfolds around 12:00 to 14:00, where the index skyrockets to a maximum of 5. As the afternoon wanes, protective measures become less urgent, with the index decreasing to 4 at 15:00 and dropping to 2 by 16:00. By the evening, UV exposure diminishes significantly, descending back to 1 at 17:00 and returning to 0 by 19:00. It’s a classic reminder to stay sun-safe during those midday 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index values fluctuate significantly, with extreme risk levels occurring mainly in January, February, March, October, November, and December—all of which have a UV Index of 15 or higher and a burn time of just 10 minutes. From April to August, the UV Index dips to very high and moderate categories, reaching a peak in April at 8 and returning to 6 in August. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months of January, February, March, October, and November by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, particularly during midday hours.
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 |
| San Luis | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 15 |
| 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 |