UV Index in Tocopilla, Chile

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Tocopilla, Chile, a region where the sun shines brightly under its semi-arid BWk climate. With UV levels reaching up to 7—especially during midday hours—awareness of these levels is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can effectively plan your outdoor activities, ensuring you protect yourself from harmful UV rays while enjoying the vibrant beauty of Tocopilla.

Hourly UV Index in Tocopilla

The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic and vibrant midday sun. Starting at 07:00, the UV levels are negligible at 0, slowly rising to 1 by 08:00. As the clock ticks towards 10:00, the intensity escalates to 4, reaching its peak at 12:00 with a robust 7. This high level of UV radiation continues until 14:00, when it slightly declines to 6. As the afternoon progresses, it tapers off, dropping to 4 at 15:00, and further decreasing to 2 by 16:00. The evening ushers in a calming effect, with levels settling back to 1 at 17:00 and 18:00, before retreating to 0 by 19:00. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the daylight hours, especially when the index peaks at midday.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:000low45 min
08:001low45 min
09:002low45 min
10:004moderate30 min
11:006high25 min
12:007high25 min
13:007high25 min
14:006high25 min
15:004moderate30 min
16:002low45 min
17:001low45 min
18:001low45 min
19:000low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Tocopilla

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Tocopilla, Chile

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Tocopilla. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec15151310867911131414
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Tocopilla, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Tocopilla UV Index with Other Chile Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Tocopilla compares to other major locations across Chile. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.
Tocopilla's solar exposure compared to other cities in Chile. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Santiago UVI141211753468111214
Valparaiso UVI141211854468111214
Vina del Mar UVI141211854468111214
Puente Alto UVI1514128646811121415
Tocopilla15151310867911131414
Antofagasta UVI15151310867911141515