Last updated: July 2, 2025
In El Chaltén, Argentina, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and minimizing long-term skin damage, especially in a region known for its stunning outdoor adventures. With its BSk climate, El Chaltén experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking in the early afternoon. During these hours, UV levels can reach up to 2, highlighting the importance of safeguarding yourself while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes. Stay vigilant and protect your skin from the sun's rays!
The UV Index for today reveals a gradual rise in sun intensity as the day progresses. Starting from a minimum of 0 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the index ticks up, reaching 1 by 10:00 AM and holding steady until 11:00 AM. From 12:00 PM to 15:00 PM, the intensity peaks at 2, signaling a moderate need for sun protection, especially during the midday hours. As the afternoon transitions into evening, the UV Index retreats back to 1 from 16:00 PM to 18:00 PM, before dropping to 0 again by 7:00 PM. This pattern highlights the importance of being mindful of UV exposure during the peak hours between noon and 3 PM.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | 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 |