Last updated: July 2, 2025
In San Carlos, Chile, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can be the difference between a fun day outdoors and a painful sunburn, particularly in a region known for its mild climate and varying exposure risks. With typical UV ratings peaking at 4 during midday hours, residents and visitors alike need to be conscious of sun safety measures to prevent long-term skin damage. Stay informed and enjoy the sun while safeguarding your health in this beautiful part of Chile!
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, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal variability, with the highest risks occurring during the winter and late fall months. January and December both record an extreme UV Index of 14, with a burn time of just 10 minutes, making these months particularly hazardous for sun exposure. February follows closely with a UV Index of 13. The high-risk months for UV exposure are thus identified as November through March, when UV levels remain consistently extreme to very high (UV Index 10 or above). Residents and visitors should take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, utilizing sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when sun intensity peaks. As the year progresses into June, July, and August, the UV Index drops to moderate levels, allowing for safer outdoor activities, but still necessitating basic sun safety practices.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Carlos | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 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 |