Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Cruz, Chile is essential for promoting skin health and sunburn prevention. With the region's Csb climate, residents and visitors alike should be aware of the varying UV levels throughout the day to minimize exposure risks. From the moderate UV Index readings peaking at 3 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, it’s crucial to take precautions to protect your skin. By staying informed about these levels, you can enjoy the beauty of Santa Cruz while safeguarding your health under the sun!
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 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 |
| Santa Cruz | 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 |