Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Ushuaia, Argentina, understanding the UV Index is vital for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With a predominantly ET climate, Ushuaia's unique weather patterns can leave residents and visitors vulnerable to varying UV levels, especially during the height of day. The UV Index, which peaks at a modest level of 1 during midday, underscores the importance of sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. Being aware of these levels can help you take required precautions, ensuring that your outdoor adventures in this stunning southern city are both enjoyable and safe.
Throughout the day, the UV Index showed a gradual rise, peaking during the midday hours. From 07:00 to 09:00, the index remained at a safe 0, providing a perfect time for morning activities without the worry of UV exposure. As the sun climbed higher, the index increased to 1 from 10:00 through 17:00, indicating a low level of UV radiation, suitable for outdoor enjoyment with minimal protection. However, as the day drew to a close, the UV Index dipped back to 0 by 18:00, signaling a retreat of sunlight and a decrease in UV intensity. Overall, it was a day where individuals could bask in the sun's warmth without significant risk, especially during the midday stretch.
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index fluctuates significantly throughout the year, displaying the highest levels during the winter months and late in the year. January and February feature very high UV levels (10 and 8, respectively), with a burn time of only 15 minutes, presenting a high risk for sunburn. Following this, March sees a slight decline to a high category (6), while April and May drop to moderate and low levels (3 and 2, respectively), allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 and 45 minutes. The summer months (June and July) remain in the low risk category (1), maintaining a burn time of 45 minutes. However, as the year approaches its end, August and September return to moderate levels (3 and 5), before escalating sharply again by November and December, registering extreme UV indexes of 12 and 11 with a burn time reduced to 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety during the high-risk months of November and December, as well as January and February, by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen, while also remaining mindful of the UV levels during spring and summer for balanced sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ushuaia | 10 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 12 | 11 |
| 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 |