Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for staying safe in Arica, Chile, a sun-soaked locale known for its warm climate and beautiful beaches. With the UV levels peaking between 11 AM and 1 PM, awareness of these fluctuations can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promoting overall skin health. As a town nestled in a BWh climate zone, Arica faces unique exposure risks, where even a brief stroll outdoors can lead to harmful effects if precautions aren't taken. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoors while protecting your skin from the sun's powerful rays.
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.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 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, 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 |