Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Maria Elena, Chile is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With its BWk climate, residents and visitors alike face unique UV exposure risks, especially during peak hours when the index reaches levels of 6 to 7 between 12 PM and 1 PM. Being aware of the UV levels not only helps you plan your outdoor activities but also empowers you to take necessary precautions, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely. Embrace the beauty of Maria Elena while prioritizing your skin’s well-being!
The UV Index for the day presents a dynamic profile, starting from a protective 0 at 07:00 and slowly rising throughout the morning. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 4, escalating to a peak of 7 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating it’s time for sun safety precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips gradually; by 16:00, it falls to 2, and finally returns to 0 by 18:00. Plan your day accordingly—early morning and late evening are your best bets for sun exposure, while midday calls for care!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variability, with extreme values typically occurring from January to April and then again in September to December. The highest risk months, characterized by a UV Index of 17, are from January to February and again in October to November, indicating a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. March and September also present elevated risk with indices of 15 and 13, respectively. In contrast, the summer months of May through August show a moderate reduction in UV levels, though they remain classified as either very high or high, with burn times up to 25 minutes in June. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high UV periods, particularly in the extreme months, by wearing sun protection, such as clothing, hats, and sunscreen, and by seeking shade whenever possible to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago UVI | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| Valparaiso UVI | 14 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| Vina del Mar UVI | 14 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| Puente Alto UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Antofagasta UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| Maria Elena | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 17 |