Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Calchaquí, Argentina, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the sun's harmful rays. With a climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, residents and visitors alike are often exposed to varying levels of UV radiation, especially during peak hours. By keeping an eye on the UV levels—which can reach as high as 5 around midday—individuals can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health. Awareness of the UV Index not only empowers you to enjoy the sun safely but also fosters a healthier outdoor lifestyle in this vibrant region.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern in sunlight intensity. Starting from a maximum of 0 at 7 AM, the day gradually warms up, hitting a slight rise to 1 by 8 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index ascends to 2 at 10 AM and peaks at 5 from 1 PM to 2 PM, indicating a period of heightened sun exposure. After this zenith, the UV levels start to decline, dropping back to 3 at 3 PM, then down to 1 by the late afternoon and settling at 0 once more by 7 PM. With such variances, it’s crucial to stay protected during the peak hours of noon to 2 PM to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 5 | 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 |