Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Clemente, Chile, where the Mediterranean climate offers plenty of sunshine but also exposes you to potential skin health risks. With UV levels peaking at a moderate 3 during midday hours, it's essential to be aware of how these fluctuations can lead to sunburn or long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself, ensuring you enjoy the warmth and beauty of San Clemente’s outdoors without compromising your skin health. Remember, even on seemingly mild days, UV rays can be deceptively strong!
The UV Index starts low at 07:00, peaking at just 0 before gradually rising. By 10:00, it climbs to 2, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The sun reaches its zenith from 12:00 to 14:00, where the UV Index holds a steady 3, suggesting that precautions like sunscreen and protective clothing are advisable. As the afternoon wanes, 15:00 sees a slight drop back to 2. Post 16:00, the UV levels decline further, returning to 1 by 17:00 and finally 0 again after 18:00. Overall, this early day provides a manageable UV exposure, but midday vigilance is key for outdoor activities!
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
12:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
13:00 | 3 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the winter months and again in late fall. High-risk months for UV exposure include January, February, March, November, and December, all categorized as extreme, with a remarkably short burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into spring, April shows a decrease to high levels with a burn time of 25 minutes, followed by moderate levels in May, June, July, and August. However, with September and October presenting very high UV levels, it's crucial for visitors and residents to remain vigilant. To protect your skin, it is advised to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen, especially during the peak months and high UV days.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Santiago UVI | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
San Clemente | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 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 |