Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Illapel, Chile, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With its BSk climate, residents and visitors alike are exposed to varying UV levels throughout the day, making awareness essential for sunburn prevention and skin longevity. The UV Index peaks between 11 AM and 2 PM, reaching levels of 4, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these levels, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the potential for long-term skin damage.
The UV Index today starts low, with maximum values reaching 0 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises, it gradually climbs to 1 at 8:00 AM and stays steady until 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index jumps to 2, marking the onset of more direct sunlight. The UV exposure peaks at 4 from 12:00 PM to 14:00 PM, signaling a critical time for sun protection. Following this peak, it dips back to 2 at 15:00 PM before easing further to 1 by 16:00 PM. Finally, the day wraps up with 0 UV exposure by 19:00 PM, making the late afternoon a much safer time for outdoor activities. Don't forget to apply sunscreen during the midday 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 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 changes, with the most critical levels evident during the winter months of January, February, and December, where the index peaks at 15, indicating an extreme exposure category and a burn time of only 10 minutes. Similarly, March and November also register high levels of UV radiation, maintaining an extreme rating with a burn time of 10 minutes. As spring progresses into April, the index drops to 9 (very high), allowing for slightly longer safe exposure of 15 minutes, while May sees a moderate reduction to 6 (high) with a burn time of 25 minutes. The summer months of June and July see lower UV levels of 4 and 5 (moderate), respectively. However, as autumn approaches, the index rises again in September and October to 9 and 11 (very high and extreme) before reverting back to extreme levels in November. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during the high-risk months, particularly from October to March, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting sun exposure during peak UV hours.
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 |
| Illapel | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| 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 |