Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Coyhaique, Chile, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it a crucial factor for outdoor enthusiasts and residents alike. Given Coyhaique's Cfc climate, which features cool summers and frequent cloud cover, many might underestimate the UV exposure risks. However, even on overcast days, harmful UV rays can penetrate the clouds, so staying informed about the UV Index—especially during peak hours—ensures you can enjoy the stunning landscapes while keeping your skin protected.
The UV Index throughout the day displays a gradual increase in intensity, peaking in the midday hours. Starting at a 0 from 07:00 to 08:00, the index begins its ascent at 09:00, reaching a mild 1. By 11:00, it rises to a moderate 2, maintaining this level until 15:00—the sun's rays are definitely felt during this time! As the afternoon drifts into evening, a gentle decline is observed, with the index dropping back to 1 by 16:00 and fading to 0 from 18:00 onwards. This hourly pattern serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe, especially during the peak UV hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
10:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
11:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
12:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
13:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risk months occurring in January, February, and November when the index reaches extremes of 13 and 11, indicating a very short burn time of only 10 minutes. Moving into spring, the risk decreases in March, with a UV Index of 8 (very high), while April and May see more moderate levels of 5 and 3, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively. As summer arrives, the UV Index drops to low levels of 2 in June and July, providing safer conditions for outdoor activities, though it increases to 4 in August (moderate). Fall brings a resurgence of UV risk, especially in September (high, index 6) and again in October (very high, index 9). Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during the high-risk months, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure, especially during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coyhaique | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 |
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 |