Last updated: May 3, 2025
In La Ensenada, Chile, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day can help residents and visitors make informed decisions about sun exposure, particularly during the hours when UV rays peak. With a Cfb climate, La Ensenada experiences varied UV risks, especially in the midday sun, where the index can reach levels of 4—signifying moderate risk. Protecting your skin is essential to enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer while safeguarding your health!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity. In the morning, it starts off low, peaking at 1 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, we see a steady increase with the index reaching 3 by 11:00. The highest point occurs from 12:00 to 13:00, where the UV Index hits a robust 4, indicating a need for sun protection during those hours. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, returning to 2 at 15:00, and then dropping back down to 0 by 18:00, marking the end of significant UV exposure for the day. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly to stay safe under the sun!
| 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 | 3 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary significantly, with extreme risk months occurring in January, February, November, and December, where the index reaches 14 and the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. As spring approaches, March sees a drop to a very high level of 9 with a burn time of 15 minutes, while April and September shift to high (UV Index 6 and 7) requiring more cautious sun exposure at 25 minutes. From May to August, UV levels stabilize at moderate (UV Index 4 to 5) with burn times extending to 30 minutes. June experiences the lowest UV exposure at 2, permitting up to 45 minutes in the sun. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during the high-risk months and take proper precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during the extreme UV periods in winter and late fall, as well as during the transition months in March and October.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Ensenada | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 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 |