Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in La Cocha, Argentina, as it plays a significant role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With varying UV levels throughout the day, awareness can help you enjoy the sun safely, minimizing risks associated with excessive exposure. La Cocha experiences a semi-arid climate (BSk), characterized by bright, sunny days that can elevate UV radiation, particularly during peak hours around noon to early afternoon. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin and make the most of the beautiful Argentine sun!
During the day, the UV Index follows a dynamic pattern, peaking in the early afternoon. At 07:00, the index begins at a safe 0, gradually rising to 1 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the values increase steadily—reaching 2 at 10:00 and then escalating to 4 by 11:00. The intensity spikes at 12:00, soaring to 6, before peaking at an impressive 7 at 13:00. The UV levels then begin to taper off, decreasing to 6 at 14:00 and further dropping to 5 by 15:00. As the afternoon wanes, the index declines to 3 at 16:00, and finally settles back at 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, before returning to 0 by 19:00. This hourly data highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during those peak hours when UV exposure is highest.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest values occurring during the winter months. From January to March, the UV Index ranges from 15 to 13, indicating an extreme exposure category and a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. April sees a decrease to 10 (very high), allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. May through July brings a moderate drop in UV levels, peaking at 7 in May and August, with a burn time of 25 minutes but remains in the high category during these months. As summer transitions to fall, September returns to a very high UV Index of 10, while October and November again hit extreme levels, finishing the year as it began. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during high-risk months (especially January through March and October through November) by minimizing direct sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to reduce the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| La Cocha | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| San Miguel de Tucuman UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 |