Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Puerto Chacabuco, Chile, understanding the UV Index is vital for safeguarding your skin health. With a climate characterized by cool, temperate conditions, locals and visitors alike should remain aware of UV levels to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During daylight hours, UV exposure typically peaks around noon, with an index rising to 2, signaling a moderate risk for unprotected skin. Being informed about these UV levels allows you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to protect against harmful rays. Remember, awareness is your best defense in maintaining both healthy skin and an enjoyable experience in this stunning coastal town!
The UV Index for the day paints a picture of a relatively mild sun profile, starting from a maximum of 0 at dawn. As the morning progresses, it gradually rises, reaching 1 by 09:00 and peaking at 2 between 12:00 and 14:00. During these midday hours, sun seekers can enjoy moderate UV exposure while taking necessary precautions. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index dips again, falling to 1 by 15:00 and returning to 0 by 18:00, making late-day outdoor activities safe. Overall, it’s a gentle reminder to stay sun-smart during the brief midday peak!
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Chacabuco | 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 |