Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Taltal, Chile, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, especially in this arid BWk climate, where clear skies and intense sunlight prevail. During peak hours, particularly between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index reaches a heightened level of 7, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With this knowledge, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely while maintaining healthy skin.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an intriguing pattern of intensity. Starting off at 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually rises, reaching a modest 1 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the UV levels escalate, peaking at a robust 7 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM—marking the most intense exposure period of the day. A gentle decline follows, with the index at 6 at 2:00 PM, then dropping to 4 by 3:00 PM. By the late afternoon, UV levels taper off to 2 at 4:00 PM, before settling at 1 by 5:00 PM and fading to 0 as twilight approaches at 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during midday hours, when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reveal a pattern of heightened UV Index levels, particularly during the winter and early spring. From January to April, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, peaking at 16 in January. Following this period, there is a notable decrease in UV intensity; however, high-risk months return in September and October, where the UV Index spikes back to extreme levels. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these times, especially in January, February, March, and September, where the burn time is just 10 minutes. For May through July, the UV Index is at a very high to high level, allowing slightly longer exposure times of 15 to 25 minutes. It is advisable for everyone to wear appropriate sun protection gear, seek shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during peak hours, especially during the noted high-risk months.
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 |
| Taltal | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 |