Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Mejillones, Chile, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a desert climate (BWk) that boasts abundant sunshine, residents and visitors alike must stay informed about daily UV levels to protect against harmful ultraviolet rays. During peak hours, particularly from noon to 2 PM, the UV Index can soar to as high as 8, indicating a significant risk for harm to unprotected skin. Being aware of these fluctuations allows you to enjoy the sunny beauty of Mejillones while taking the right precautions to ensure your well-being.
The UV Index paints a striking picture of the day's sun exposure. Starting off gently at 07:00 and 08:00 with a UV Index of 1, the sunlight gradually intensifies. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 4, signaling that it's time to be mindful of sun protection. As the clock strikes 11:00, the UV Index escalates to a peak of 6, and it continues to soar to an impressive 8 by 12:00 and 13:00. This represents the strongest sun exposure, where protective measures become crucial. The intensity begins to wane by 14:00 with a reading of 7, dropping to 4 by 15:00, and then tapering off to 2 at 16:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index cools down to 1 by 17:00 and returns to 0 at 19:00, marking a safe end to sun exposure for the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with extreme levels recorded from January through March, peaking at 15 and requiring just 10 minutes of exposure for skin to burn. April and May see a slight decline but remain in the very high category (UV Index 10 and 8, respectively), with burn times extending to 15 minutes. From June to August, the UV Index drops to the high and very high ranges (UV Index 6 to 9), allowing for longer safe exposure times of 25 minutes to 15 minutes. However, the risk escalates again in September, October, and November, with another spike to extreme levels (UV Index 11 to 14), necessitating quick precautionary measures as burn times reduce to 10 minutes. Therefore, visitors and residents should take extra care during the high-risk months of January, February, March, September, October, and November by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
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 |
| Mejillones | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
| Antofagasta UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 |