Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Arica, Chile, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Given the city’s BWh climate, characterized by warm temperatures and clear skies, residents and visitors alike are susceptible to high levels of UV radiation, particularly during midday hours. With UV Index values peaking at 8 between noon and 1 PM, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. By understanding UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from the sun's damaging effects, ensuring your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a cool 0 at 07:00, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. As the day unfolds, it slowly rises, reaching 1 by 08:00 and climbing to 2 by 09:00. The sun gains strength, peaking at 8 from 12:00 to 13:00—be sure to wear sunscreen during these hours! A gradual decline follows, with the index dropping to 7 at 14:00, then tapering off to 5 by 15:00. By late afternoon, the UV Index decreases further, sinking to 3 at 16:00, before returning to 1 by 17:00 and settling back at 0 as night falls at 19:00. This hourly trend underscores the importance of protecting your skin when the sun is at its zenith!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, particularly during the winter and summer months. High-risk months include January through April and September through November, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels (15-14) with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these periods, such as wearing protective clothing, applying high-SPF sunscreen, and seeking shade. As we transition into the summer, while the UV Index drops to a maximum of 12 in April and later peaks at 10 in August (very high), the burn time increases to 15 or 25 minutes in June and July, emphasizing the need for sun safety practices year-round. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from harmful UV radiation, especially in 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 |
| Arica | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 |