Last updated: July 2, 2025
In La Serena, Chile, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also contributes to long-term skin health and reduces the risk of skin cancer. With a BWk climate that boasts clear skies and high sun exposure, especially during the midday hours when the UV Index can reach a peak of 5, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant. Being aware of UV levels empowers you to enjoy the beautiful sunny days safely while taking the necessary precautions to minimize your exposure.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at 0 at 07:00, offering a safe environment for morning activities. By 08:00 and 09:00, it creeps up to 1, indicating that while the sun is rising, precautions are still minimal. As the day progresses, the sun intensifies—hitting 2 by 10:00 and surging to 5 at both 12:00 and 13:00, the peak hours for UV exposure. It’s the perfect time to apply sunscreen and seek shade if needed. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 4 at 14:00 and gradually descending to 3 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls back to 1 at 17:00, and finally returns to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00, signaling the end of a day marked by fluctuating UV levels that necessitate careful planning for sun exposure.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | 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 Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest readings occurring from January to March, where the UV Index reaches up to 15, classified as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. October and November also present high-risk conditions with extreme values of 14 and 15, respectively. Conversely, the summer months from June to August see a decline in UV intensity, averaging between 4 and 6, classified as moderate to high, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 25 to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions during the high-risk months of January, February, March, October, and November, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade when outdoors.
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 |
| La Serena | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 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 |