Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Providencia, Chile, where the sun can pose significant risks to skin health. With UV levels peaking daily from late morning to early afternoon, awareness is essential in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Known for its mild Csb climate, Providencia can still deliver powerful UV radiation, especially during the summer months. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV index for the day starts off low, with a maximum of 0 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 1 by 8:00 and 9:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index peaks at 6 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating a significant risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The index then begins to decline, dropping to 5 at 2:00 PM and further decreasing to 3 by 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, it continues to fall, reaching 1 at 5:00 PM and returning to 0 post 6:00 PM. Be sure to protect your skin during midday hours when UV levels are at their highest!
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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal changes, with extreme readings from January to March and again in September through November, indicating a heightened risk for sunburn during these months. Notably, January and December both reach an index of 15, while February and November register 14, making them the highest-risk months. As the year progresses, April and August are classified as very high (UV index 8), while May and July are categorized as high (UV index 6). During periods of extreme and very high exposure, burn times are dangerously short—only 10 to 15 minutes—which underscores the necessity for vigilant sun protection. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to adopt protective measures, including wearing sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking clothing, particularly during the peak months to mitigate the risks associated with high UV exposure.
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 |
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 |
Providencia | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
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 |