Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Putre, Chile, where the high-altitude climate can pose significant risks for skin health. This remote Andean town experiences high levels of ultraviolet radiation, especially during midday hours, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if precautions aren’t taken. With typical UV exposures peaking around 12 PM to 1 PM, when readings can reach up to 9, staying informed about UV levels is essential for preventing harmful effects and ensuring safe outdoor activities. Embrace the beauty of Putre's dry BWk climate, but remember to check the UV Index to protect your skin from the sun's strong rays!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its daily ascent, starting at a maximum of 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 1, signaling the first hints of UV exposure. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a robust 9, sustained until 1:00 PM, making it vital for outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually recedes, dropping to 5 by 3:00 PM and further diminishing to 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, the sun begins to set, bringing the index back down to 0 by 7:00 PM. Be aware and enjoy your day while keeping an eye on that UV index!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
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 |