Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santiago, Chile, is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health in the region's unique climate. With its moderate Mediterranean atmosphere, Santiago experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, especially peaking around midday when the risk of sunburn rises. Awareness of these UV fluctuations—ranging from a low of 0 in the morning to a high of 3 during the afternoon—can aid in making informed choices about sun protection. By staying informed, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoors while safeguarding your skin's health against harmful UV exposure.
The UV Index starts low at 07:00, peaking at just 0 before gradually rising. By 10:00, it climbs to 2, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. The sun reaches its zenith from 12:00 to 14:00, where the UV Index holds a steady 3, suggesting that precautions like sunscreen and protective clothing are advisable. As the afternoon wanes, 15:00 sees a slight drop back to 2. Post 16:00, the UV levels decline further, returning to 1 by 17:00 and finally 0 again after 18:00. Overall, this early day provides a manageable UV exposure, but midday vigilance is key for outdoor activities!
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
12:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
13:00 | 3 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The highest risk months for UV exposure are January, February, March, October, November, and December, each with a UV Index of 12 to 14 and categorized as extreme, meaning that unprotected skin can burn within just 10 minutes. In contrast, April and August fall under the high category with an index of 7 and 6, respectively, allowing a slightly longer burn time of 25 minutes. From May to July, the risk drops to moderate levels (UV Index 5 to 4), with burn times extending up to 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize the effects of harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Santiago | 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 |