Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the breathtaking landscapes of El Chaltén, Argentina, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health. Understanding UV levels can prevent painful sunburns and reduce long-term risks associated with overexposure to ultraviolet rays. El Chaltén, characterized by its BSk climate, boasts a mix of sunny and chilly days, leading to increased UV exposure, especially during midday hours. As you immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures, staying informed about UV levels can help you enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a gentle rise, peaking in the early afternoon. Starting at 0 during the early hours (07:00 and 08:00), the index slowly ascends to 1 by 09:00 and remains steady until 11:00. At 12:00, it reaches 2, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The sun’s intensity escalates further, peaking at 3 from 13:00 to 15:00, which calls for some sun protection if you're outdoors. As the day winds down, the index decreases, returning to 2 at 16:00 and dropping back to 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, before falling to 0 again after sunset at 19:00. Overall, this UV journey underscores the importance of staying sun safe during the midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest risks occurring in the winter and late fall months. January and February have an extreme exposure category with a UV index of 16 and 13, respectively, resulting in a quick burn time of only 10 minutes. The high-risk months also include November, which boasts a UV index of 17, again requiring just 10 minutes of exposure before burning. As spring approaches, March and October present very high UV levels at 10, which can lead to skin damage in just 15 minutes. It's important for both visitors and residents to remain vigilant during these periods by utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours, particularly in the extreme and very high UV index months. Conversely, summer months like June and July show a lower UV index, categorized as low, providing a temporary reprieve with longer safe exposure times of 45 minutes. As the seasons shift, maintaining awareness of UV levels is crucial for skin health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Chalten | 16 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 17 | 16 |
| 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 |