Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Santa Cruz, Chile, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for both locals and visitors, as it plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and overall skin health. Understanding UV levels is essential to protect yourself from harmful rays, especially in a region known for its mild Mediterranean climate (Csb), where the UV exposure can vary significantly throughout the day. With peak indices reaching up to 5 around midday, it's important to take necessary precautions when spending time outdoors to ensure your skin stays safe and healthy under the Intense Chilean sun.
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 |
| 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 |