Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Alto Hospicio, Chile, where the BWk climate brings a unique blend of sunny days and potential UV exposure risks. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for preventing sunburn, but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV Index values reaching 7 around midday, the sun can be particularly intense, making it vital to take appropriate precautions during outdoor activities. Stay informed and protect your skin from the sun's damaging effects while enjoying all that Alto Hospicio has to offer!
The UV Index for the day presents a dynamic profile, starting from a protective 0 at 07:00 and slowly rising throughout the morning. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 4, escalating to a peak of 7 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating it’s time for sun safety precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips gradually; by 16:00, it falls to 2, and finally returns to 0 by 18:00. Plan your day accordingly—early morning and late evening are your best bets for sun exposure, while midday calls for care!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest values recorded during the winter months, notably from January to April, where the index remains at 16 to 12 with an extreme exposure category and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. May, while slightly lower at 9 (very high exposure), marks the beginning of a gradual decrease in risk during the summer months, as June sees a drop to 7 (high exposure). However, July and August return to very high levels with indices of 8 and 10, respectively. As the year progresses into September through December, the index increases sharply again to extreme levels, ranging from 12 to 15, emphasizing consistent caution. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during January to April and September to December when UV levels pose a high risk, recommending sunscreen application, protective clothing, and limited outdoor exposure during peak sunlight hours to minimize harmful effects.
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 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 |
| Alto Hospicio | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 15 |