Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Palena, Chile, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With understanding the UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and lower the risk of skin-related issues caused by excessive sun exposure. Palena's Cfc climate offers a unique blend of stunning outdoors, but it also presents potential UV exposure risks, especially during midday hours. Knowing when UV levels peak, particularly between 10 AM and 3 PM, allows you to take necessary precautions and enjoy the beautiful landscapes without compromising your skin health.
The UV Index for today reveals a gradual rise in sun intensity as the day progresses. Starting from a minimum of 0 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the index ticks up, reaching 1 by 10:00 AM and holding steady until 11:00 AM. From 12:00 PM to 15:00 PM, the intensity peaks at 2, signaling a moderate need for sun protection, especially during the midday hours. As the afternoon transitions into evening, the UV Index retreats back to 1 from 16:00 PM to 18:00 PM, before dropping to 0 again by 7:00 PM. This pattern highlights the importance of being mindful of UV exposure during the peak hours between noon and 3 PM.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | 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 |