Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Alto Hospicio, Chile, where high levels of ultraviolet radiation can pose significant risks to skin health. Being aware of UV levels helps you take preventive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely. Situated in a BWk climate, Alto Hospicio experiences intense sun exposure, particularly in the midday hours, with UV Index values peaking at 9 between 12 PM and 1 PM. Recognizing these patterns allows you to protect yourself effectively, making informed decisions about outdoor activities in this vibrant coastal region.
The UV Index data for the day presents a noteworthy pattern of solar intensity. Beginning at 07:00, the index is a low 1, gradually rising to reach 3 by 09:00. A significant increase occurs as the day progresses, peaking sharply at 12:00 and 13:00 with a high of 9, indicating a critical need for sun protection. As the afternoon rolls in, values decrease, dipping back to 5 by 15:00 and further down to 1 by 18:00. The UV Index then drops to 0 by 19:00, emphasizing the importance of being cautious during midday hours when exposure is most intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | 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 |