Last updated: August 1, 2025
In the beautiful highlands of Putre, Chile, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting yourself from harmful solar radiation. Given its elevation and arid climate, Putre experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when indices can soar to 11—a level that necessitates immediate sun protection to prevent painful sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the UV levels throughout the day, you can safeguard your skin health and enjoy the region's stunning landscapes with confidence. Don't overlook this vital aspect of outdoor safety in such a vibrant environment!
The UV Index for today presents a clear pattern of increasing intensity as the day progresses. Starting from a safe level of 0 at 07:00, the index rises slowly, reaching 1 by 08:00. The real action begins mid-morning, when it jumps to 3 at 09:00 and escalates sharply to 5 by 10:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the 11:00 reading hits 8, quickly peaking at an impressive 10 at noon and soaring to a maximum of 11 by 13:00—the most critical time for sun exposure. As afternoon approaches, the numbers decline: falling to 9 at 14:00, then gradually dropping to 6 at 15:00, and tapering off to 3 by 16:00. The evening brings relief as the index dwindles back to 1 by 17:00, and finally retreats to 0 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of protection from UV rays during the midday hours when exposure can be most harmful.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index data reveals extremely high levels of ultraviolet radiation from January through April, maintaining a severe UV Index of 18 for several months, which corresponds to a burn time of just 10 minutes. As the year progresses into May, there is a slight decrease to an index of 12, but the risk remains high. By June, the index dips to 9, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, the UV Index rises again throughout July and August, peaking at 13 in August before tapering off in September to 16 and then sharply reaching back to 18 by October through January. Residents and visitors should exercise extreme caution during these high-risk months, particularly from January through April and again in October and November, limiting direct sun exposure and utilizing adequate sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to safeguard against sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Putre | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 18 |