Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Lota, Chile, where the unique climate fosters moderate sunlight exposure throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels is key to protecting skin health and preventing sunburn, particularly during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when the index can reach a maximum of 5. With Lota’s mild Csb climate, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen helps you enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from UV radiation. Stay informed and safeguard your skin!
Today’s UV Index presents an interesting pattern throughout the day. Starting at 07:00 AM, the UV Index is at a safe 0, with low intensity. As the sun rises higher, we see a gradual increase, reaching 1 by 08:00 and 09:00, indicating a minimal risk for sun exposure. By 10:00, the index ticks up to 2, and it really begins to heat up at 11:00 AM with a 3. The peak UV Index arrives at 12:00 PM, soaring to 4, marking a moderate risk. The highest exposure occurs between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, with a maximum of 5 at 1:00 PM, cautioning sun worshippers to protect their skin. As the afternoon continues, we see a gradual decline, with the index falling back to 3 by 3:00 PM and tapering to 0 by 7:00 PM. Overall, it’s a day that calls for sunscreen during peak hours!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 levels exhibit significant seasonal variability, with the highest risks occurring during the winter and late fall months. January and December both record an extreme UV Index of 14, with a burn time of just 10 minutes, making these months particularly hazardous for sun exposure. February follows closely with a UV Index of 13. The high-risk months for UV exposure are thus identified as November through March, when UV levels remain consistently extreme to very high (UV Index 10 or above). Residents and visitors should take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, utilizing sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when sun intensity peaks. As the year progresses into June, July, and August, the UV Index drops to moderate levels, allowing for safer outdoor activities, but still necessitating basic sun safety practices.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lota | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 14 |
| 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 |