Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Puerto Williams, Chile, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Even in this remote area, the sun's rays can pose risks, particularly during the brighter months when UV levels reach as high as 1 around midday. With the region's cold oceanic climate (ET), many may underestimate the potential for harm, but even low UV readings can accumulate over time. By staying informed about UV levels, residents and visitors alike can take proactive steps to protect themselves while enjoying the stunning natural beauty that Puerto Williams has to offer.
Throughout the day, the UV Index remained quite low, starting at 0 in the early hours. It picked up slightly at 09:00, reaching a modest peak of 1 and maintaining that level consistently until 17:00. This prolonged period of low UV exposure makes it a great time for outdoor activities without the usual sun protection worries. As the sun began to set, the index dropped back to 0 by 18:00, wrapping up a day of gentle sunlight. Remember, even on mild UV days, it's always wise to stay sun-aware!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 12:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 13:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 14:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | 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 exposure varies significantly, with January and February marking the peaks of very high UV Index levels at 9 and 8, respectively, which means a burn time of just 15 minutes. The high-risk months also include March with a UV Index of 6 (burn time: 25 minutes) and the extreme levels in November and December with indices of 12 and 11, respectively, where the burn time decreases to 10 minutes. Between late spring and mid-summer, the UV levels drop to low, particularly in May, June, and July, making sun exposure less hazardous. However, as we transition back into late fall, UV levels rise again. Visitors and residents should take precautions during high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Williams | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 12 | 11 |
| 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 |