Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in La Ensenada, Chile is crucial for ensuring your skin's health and safety in the sun. With a moderate climate characterized by its Cfb classification, La Ensenada experiences varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day. This knowledge is vital, as even low to moderate UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the UV Index reaches levels around 3, indicating a potential risk for harm without proper protection. Stay informed to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin!
Today, the UV Index follows a gradually rising trend, reaching its peak during the midday hours. Starting the day at a minimum of 0 at 07:00, the index climbs to 1 by 08:00 and holds steady until 11:00, where it rises to 2. The sun is at its most intense from 12:00 to 14:00, hitting 3, reminding us to be mindful of sun exposure during these hours. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines to 2 at 15:00, then further dips to 1 by 16:00, before returning to a safe 0 by evening. This gradual fluctuation serves as a reminder to enjoy the sunshine while taking precautions as the day unfolds!
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | 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 |