Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for ensuring sun safety in Puerto Williams, Chile, especially given the area's unique climate. The UV Index serves as a vital tool for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, empowering residents and visitors alike to make informed choices about their time outdoors. With the subpolar oceanic climate of Puerto Williams, UV exposure is typically low throughout the day, peaking with a maximum value of 1 between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Stay aware of the UV levels to enjoy the stunning landscapes while keeping your skin safe!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a mostly low exposure risk, with values remaining at 0 before 10:00 AM and after 17:00 PM. Between 10:00 and 16:00, the UV Index peaks at 1, indicating a minimal chance of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This gradual rise emphasizes the importance of sun safety during those midday hours, though the overall low readings suggest it’s a great day for outdoor activities with minimal sun protection concerns, especially in the morning and evening when the UV levels drop back to 0. Enjoy your day under the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 0 | 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 | 0 | 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 |