Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Vicente, Chile, where the unique Csb climate contributes to varying sun exposure throughout the day. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health, as excessive UV radiation can lead to serious skin conditions. With peak UV Index values reaching 5 around midday, it’s important to recognize the risks associated with outdoor activities during those hours. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful, sunny days in San Vicente while protecting your skin and overall health.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic progression throughout the day. Starting at 0 at 7:00 AM, the intensity begins to rise slowly, reaching 1 by 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it escalates to 3, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. 11:00 AM sees the index peak at 4, and the sun reaches its zenith by noon with a UV Index of 5, marking a high risk level. The afternoon maintains this peak at 5 until 1:00 PM, before gradually declining to 4 at 2:00 PM and further down to 3 by 3:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV radiation drops sharply, returning to 1 at 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and finally back to 0 from 6:00 PM onward. Awareness of these fluctuations can guide outdoor plans, ensuring protection during the peak UV 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels during the winter months. From January to March, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (14 to 11) with a dangerously low burn time of just 10 minutes, indicating a high risk of skin damage. April marks a decrease to a high level (7) with a burn time of 25 minutes, while May and June see moderate levels (5 to 3), allowing for slightly safer outdoor activities with burn times increasing to 30 minutes. August and September reflect a return to higher risk, with September jumping to a very high index of 8 and a burn time of 15 minutes. The year concludes with October and November returning to extreme levels (11 to 13) and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially during the high-risk months of January through March and October through November, ensuring proper sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses whenever exposed to the sun.
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 Vicente | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 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 |