Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Palena, Chile, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for ensuring your skin's health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about outdoor activities, especially in this Cfc climate zone where sunlight can be both inviting and intense. With midday UV levels reaching up to 3, it’s essential to take precautions to protect yourself against potential skin damage, even during seemingly mild exposure. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes of Palena while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a gentle rise and fall in intensity. Starting from 0 in the early morning at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the sun gradually awakens with a low index of 1 by 9:00 AM, continuing at the same level until 11:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index peaks at 3 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, marking the sun’s strongest presence. Following this brief height, it notably declines, dropping back to 2 by 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, before gently receding to 1 by the evening hours, eventually settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. This pattern highlights the midday sun's impact while emphasizing the importance of sun safety, especially between noon and mid-afternoon.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV intensity experiences significant fluctuations, with January, February, November, and December standing out as high-risk months due to their extreme UV Index values of 14. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these months, as the burn time is just 10 minutes. As spring approaches, March also poses risks with a UV Index of 9, classified as very high, meaning a 15-minute burn time. Moving into the summer months, UV exposure decreases, peaking in April with a high index of 6 but lowering to moderate levels in May and July, where burn times extend to 30 minutes. By June, UV exposure drops further to 2, indicating low risk. However, as fall begins, September sees a rise again to a high exposure category, and October approaches with very high levels. To ensure safety, it is essential for everyone to engage in adequate sun protection practices during high-risk months, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palena | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 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 |