Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Calchaquí, Argentina, remaining aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the region's Cfa climate bringing warm, sunny days, understanding UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburns and promoting long-term skin health. During peak hours, particularly between 12 PM and 1 PM when the UV Index reaches a level 5, exposure risk intensifies significantly. By staying informed about local UV conditions, you can enjoy the sun responsibly and protect yourself during outdoor activities.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of solar intensity. Starting with a maximum of 0 at 7 AM, it gradually rises to a moderate 5 at 1 PM, where the sun shines its strongest. By 12 PM, the UV Index hits 4, prompting the need for sun protection. The intensity begins to taper off in the afternoon, dropping to 3 by 3 PM, and further decreasing to 1 by 5 PM. As twilight approaches, the UV Index settles back to 0 by 7 PM, signaling the end of the day's sun exposure. Plan accordingly, especially during those peak 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index reveals significant seasonal variations in sun exposure, with the highest risk months occurring from January to March and November to December, where the index consistently falls within the extreme category (UV Index 14-15) and a mere 10 minutes of unprotected skin exposure can lead to burns. In contrast, April marks a transition to very high exposure (UV Index 9), allowing for 15 minutes before sunburn sets in, while May through July see a slight decrease in UV intensity, with May being high (UV Index 6) and a burn time of 25 minutes, and June and July maintaining moderate levels (UV Index 5, 30 minutes burnout). As summer fades into fall, August and September return to high and very high risk (UV Index 7-9, 15-25 minutes), suggesting that careful sun protection is vital, especially during these months. It's essential for both residents and visitors to remain vigilant about sun safety, particularly in high-risk months when exposure can quickly lead to skin damage. Regular application of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade can significantly mitigate the risks associated with harmful UV rays.
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 |
| Calchaqui | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| San Miguel de Tucuman UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 |