Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Pica, Chile, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its BWk climate characterized by high temperatures and abundant sunshine, residents and visitors alike face significant risks of UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 3 PM when the index peaks at 10. Awareness of UV levels not only aids in preventing sunburns but also plays a crucial role in long-term skin health, helping to reduce the risk of skin cancer. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing potential harm.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low, peaking at 0 at 7 AM. The warmth gradually builds, reaching 1 by 8 AM and 2 by 9 AM, indicating a gentle start to the day. By 10 AM, the UV Index climbs to 5, signaling stronger rays, and by 11 AM, it reaches 8, suggesting it’s time to seek some shade. The intensity peaks at 12 PM with a maximum UV Index of 9 before hitting its zenith at 1 PM with a startling 10. After this midday high, there's a gradual decline as the afternoon progresses, dropping to 8 at 2 PM, then to 6 at 3 PM. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index dwindles further to 3 at 4 PM, and finally settles back to 1 by 5 PM, tapering off to 0 by 7 PM, signaling the end of a beautifully sunny day. Remember, during those peak hours, it's crucial to protect your skin!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure remains a significant concern, with the highest levels observed from January to April where the UV Index consistently hovers around 16-18, classified in the extreme category, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes. The risk remains considerable during the months of August, September, and October, where UV levels return to the extreme category, and the burn time is still as low as 10 minutes. In contrast, months like June and July feature a slightly lower UV Index in the very high category, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are urged to take precautionary measures year-round, especially during high-risk months, by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize sun 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 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 |
| Pica | 18 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 17 |