Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Tocopilla, Chile, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for preserving skin health and preventing sunburn. With its BWk climate, Tocopilla experiences significant sun exposure, particularly during midday hours when the UV Index peaks at 6. Understanding the varying UV levels throughout the day empowers residents and visitors alike to take appropriate precautions, safeguarding themselves against the harsh effects of the sun. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking in the stunning coastal views, being informed about UV exposure risks is a vital step toward better skin protection and overall health.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at 0 at 07:00, signaling a safe time to step outside. As the sun rises, it gradually increases, reaching a moderate level of 2 by 09:00. The intensity peaks between 12:00 and 13:00, registering a high of 6, indicating that sun protection is essential during these hours. By 14:00, the index begins to decline, dropping to 5 before settling into a more manageable 4 by 15:00. A gentle decrease continues through the late afternoon, with levels falling back to 1 at 17:00, and finally back to 0 by 18:00. This data suggests that the most intense sun exposure occurs during midday, urging sun safety for outdoor activities during these hours.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk concentrated in the winter months of January and February, where the index peaks at 15 and is classified as extreme, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. As the year progresses, UV levels gradually decrease until reaching a low in June and July, where the index is considered high at 6-7, allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes. However, caution is still warranted during the late summer and early fall; August and September see a resurgence in UV levels, with indexes of 9 and 11 and burn times of 15 and 10 minutes, respectively. In the late fall and winter months of October through December, UV levels again rise significantly, returning to extreme levels of 14 and burn times capped at 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect themselves with sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade during high-risk months, particularly from January through March and September through November.
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 |
| Tocopilla | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 |
| Antofagasta UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 |