Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Chanaral, Chile, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With a climate characterized by dry summers and ample sunlight, awareness of UV levels helps residents and visitors prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risks of skin damage. During peak hours, particularly from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach a notable 6, signaling a heightened risk of harm from sun exposure. Staying informed about daily UV forecasts encourages smart sun safety practices, ensuring that your time in Chanaral is both enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index starts the day at a cool 0 by 7:00 AM, offering a gentle rise in sunlight exposure. As the hours unfold, it gradually climbs to a moderate 5 by 12:00 PM and reaches its peak of 6 at 1:00 PM, a time when sun safety is particularly essential. Afterward, the intensity wanes, dipping back down to 3 by 3:00 PM, offering a more manageable environment for outdoor activities. As the afternoon progresses into the evening, the UV Index retreats to 1 by 5:00 PM, settling back to 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling the end of the peak UV exposure for the day. It's a perfect reminder to enjoy the sun early while staying mindful of its intensity!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with January and December seeing an extreme UV index of 16, and February and March closely following at 15 and 13, respectively, all requiring consistent protection with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The UV index slightly decreases in April to 11 but maintains an extreme classification. As we move into the summer months, particularly May to July, the index lowers to a high category, with burn times extending to 25 minutes, although August and September see a rebound to very high levels at 8 and 10, necessitating vigilant sun safety measures with burn times of 15 minutes. The year rounds out with an increase back to extreme levels in October and November, reinforcing the need for sun protection even in the cooler months. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious between January and April, as well as October and November, as these months pose the highest risk for UV exposure, emphasizing the importance of daily sun safety practices year-round.
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 |
| Chanaral | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| Antofagasta UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 |