Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Punta Arenas, Chile, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the city's unique ET climate, recognizing UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Even during the cooler months, UV rays can pose a risk, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when the index reaches up to 1. Being informed about these levels allows you to enjoy the beautiful outdoor landscapes of Punta Arenas while effectively protecting yourself from UV exposure. Stay vigilant and prioritize your skin health!
Throughout the day, the UV Index showed a gradual rise, peaking during the midday hours. From 07:00 to 09:00, the index remained at a safe 0, providing a perfect time for morning activities without the worry of UV exposure. As the sun climbed higher, the index increased to 1 from 10:00 through 17:00, indicating a low level of UV radiation, suitable for outdoor enjoyment with minimal protection. However, as the day drew to a close, the UV Index dipped back to 0 by 18:00, signaling a retreat of sunlight and a decrease in UV intensity. Overall, it was a day where individuals could bask in the sun's warmth without significant risk, especially during the midday stretch.
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, affecting sun exposure and skin burn risks. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January, February, October, and November, where the UV index reaches extreme and very high levels; during these months, burn times can be as short as 10-15 minutes. Conversely, from June to July, the index remains low, allowing for safer sun exposure with burn times extending up to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Be mindful of changing UV levels as the seasons progress, and stay sun safe!
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Arenas | 11 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 10 |
| 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 |