Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Valdivia, Chile, is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing harmful sunburns. With its Cfb climate, Valdivia experiences a temperate oceanic environment, which can still harbor significant UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the UV Index peaks at 3. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from damaging rays while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of this scenic city. Whether you’re venturing outdoors for work or leisure, knowing the UV Index empowers you to make smart sun safety choices.
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | 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 Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations. January and December experience the highest risk, with UV Index values reaching 14, classified as extreme, necessitating a burn time as short as 10 minutes. February also falls into this category with an index of 13. As spring approaches, March presents a notable decrease to a UV Index of 10 (very high), allowing a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. By April, the index drops to 6 (high), permitting a burn time of 25 minutes; however, it remains essential to stay protected during this period. May through July, you can anticipate moderate levels of UV exposure, with indices ranging from 3 to 5 and corresponding burn times of 30 minutes. The risk begins to heighten again in September (high, UV Index 7) and continues into October (very high, UV Index 9). November, with a return to an extreme category (UV Index 12), highlights a critical time for sun safety. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions, particularly from November to March, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, to mitigate potential skin damage from high UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valdivia | 14 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 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 |