Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Puerto Montt, Chile, where the unique climate (Cfb) can lead to varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day. Awareness of UV levels matters because it plays a significant role in preventing sunburn and supporting long-term skin health. During peak hours, especially from 11 AM to 1 PM, the UV Index can reach levels of 3 and 4, indicating an increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With Puerto Montt's overcast conditions often providing a false sense of security, it's essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
The UV Index for today paints a clear picture of sun intensity throughout the hours. Starting from a low of 0 at 07:00, the day gradually warms up, reaching 1 by 08:00 and maintaining that level until 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, we see a rise to 2 at 10:00 and peaking at 4 by 13:00—the most critical time for sun exposure. After this midday high, the index dips slightly to 3 between 14:00 and 12:00, before gradually decreasing towards the evening, arriving back at 0 by 19:00. Remember to protect your skin during the peak hours when the UV Index hits its highest levels!
| 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 | 3 | 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, the UV Index exhibits substantial seasonal variations, with the highest values occurring during the winter and late fall. Notably, January and February are marked by extreme exposure categories, with a UV Index of 14 and 12, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are November and December, with indexes of 12 and 13, respectively, also categorized as extreme. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, ensuring they protect their skin from harmful UV rays by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure. In contrast, the UV Index drops significantly from June to August, where it reaches moderate levels, suggesting a lower risk for sunburn, with burn times extending to 30-45 minutes. As such, while year-round protection is advised, extra vigilance is essential during the highest UV months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Montt | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 13 |
| 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 |