Last updated: August 1, 2025
In La Unión, Chile, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburns and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, making it a vital aspect of daily life, especially under the Cfb climate where sun exposure can vary. With UV levels peaking at 3 during midday hours, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant about sun safety measures, ensuring they enjoy the beautiful surroundings without compromising their skin health.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a gradual rise and fall in intensity. Starting at a cool 0 at 07:00, the index slowly climbs, reaching 1 by 08:00 and staying steady until 10:00. A noticeable upswing occurs around 11:00, peaking at 3 from 12:00 to 13:00, signaling the peak sun exposure hours. As the afternoon rolls in, the index dips back to 2 between 14:00 and 15:00, before declining again to 1 by 16:00. Finally, the day winds down with a return to 0 by 18:00, ensuring a safe evening for outdoor activities. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 exposure reveals distinct seasonal changes, peaking during the winter and late fall months, which may come as a surprise. January and February experience extreme UV indices of 14 and 12, respectively, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes, indicating a high-risk environment for sunburn. March begins a transition to very high levels (UV index 9) with a burn time of 15 minutes, while April reaches a high level (UV 6) with increased burn time at 25 minutes. The UV index drops in June to a low of 2, suggesting a safer period for sun exposure with a burn time of 45 minutes, before gradually rising again into moderate levels from July through September. Notably, both November and December return to extreme levels with UV indices of 12 and 13, again emphasizing the need for caution. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these high-risk months (January, February, November, and December) by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Union | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 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 |