Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Vicuna, Chile is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. The region's BSk climate offers plenty of sunshine, leading to varying UV levels throughout the day. With peak UV indices reaching 5 around noon, being informed about these levels can help you take proactive measures, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery while minimizing skin damage. Awareness of UV risks is essential for both residents and visitors alike, so let’s dive into the UV trends to keep your skin safe under the Chilean sun!
The UV Index data for the day reveals a progressive ascent in solar intensity, starting from a peaceful 0 at 07:00. As the sun rises higher in the sky, it peaks at 5 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a moderate risk for sun exposure. 11:00 and 10:00 see values of 4 and 2 respectively, signaling an increasing need for sun safety measures. As the afternoon unfolds, readings gently descend, dropping back to 3 by 15:00 and tapering to 0 after 18:00. Overall, it’s a day where vigilance is key during the midday hours, while mornings and evenings offer a respite from harmful rays.
| 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 | 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 shows significant seasonal variations in sun exposure, with the highest values occurring in winter and late fall. January and February are particularly concerning, both exhibiting an extreme UV Index of 16, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. March also remains high at 13, categorized as extreme. Moving into April, the Index drops slightly to 10 (very high), and continues to decline through June at 5 (moderate), before rising again in July and August to 6 and 7 respectively (both high). The Index then spikes again in September at 10 (very high) before hitting 12 (extreme) in October and 15 (extreme) in November, and returning to 16 in December. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during high-risk months, particularly mid-winter and late fall, ensuring adequate sun protection measures are in place to prevent skin damage. Regularly applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting exposure during peak hours are highly advised throughout the year.
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 |
| Puente Alto UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Vicuna | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 16 |
| Antofagasta UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 |