Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the vibrant region of Puente Alto, Chile, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With the city’s climate characterized by a Mediterranean influence (Csb zone), residents face unique challenges when it comes to sun exposure. The UV levels can peak significantly during midday hours, making awareness crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV Index throughout the day, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the index often reaches levels 4, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a maximum of 0 at 07:00, indicating a low risk for sun exposure. By 08:00 and 09:00, it gradually climbs to 1, maintaining a safe level. The intensity peaks between 10:00 and 13:00, reaching 4—a reminder to protect your skin during these hours. By 14:00, the index dips slightly to 3, still suggesting caution, before it declines further in the late afternoon to 2 at 15:00 and remains at 1 through 16:00 and 17:00. The day winds down with the UV Index dropping back to 0 by 18:00, marking a safe end to sun exposure for the day. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember to stay protected when the UV rays are strongest!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | 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 |
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 |
| Puente Alto | 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 |