Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Los Andes, Chile, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential to monitor daily fluctuations. The region's Csb climate, characterized by its warm summers, presents notable risks, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can reach as high as 5 around midday. Understanding these levels empowers residents and visitors alike to enjoy the sun safely while reducing the risk of harmful effects associated with excessive UV exposure.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic progression throughout the day. Starting at 0 at 7:00 AM, the intensity begins to rise slowly, reaching 1 by 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it escalates to 3, indicating a moderate level of UV exposure. 11:00 AM sees the index peak at 4, and the sun reaches its zenith by noon with a UV Index of 5, marking a high risk level. The afternoon maintains this peak at 5 until 1:00 PM, before gradually declining to 4 at 2:00 PM and further down to 3 by 3:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV radiation drops sharply, returning to 1 at 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and finally back to 0 from 6:00 PM onward. Awareness of these fluctuations can guide outdoor plans, ensuring protection during the peak UV hours!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 presents significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk occurring during the winter and early spring months. January and February showcase extreme UV levels at 16 and 15, respectively, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. March remains critical with a UV Index of 13, also resulting in a 10-minute burn time. A slight decrease is seen in April to 9, categorized as very high, with burn time extending to 15 minutes. May and July display moderate risk with indices of 6 and 7 (25 minutes), while June offers slightly better conditions at 5 (30 minutes). As summer transitions to fall, August peaks again at 9, while September and October revert to extreme levels at 11 and 13. Finally, November and December finish the year with extreme indices of 15 and 16. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun protection, particularly during the high-risk months of January, February, March, September, October, and November, ensuring to limit sun exposure and utilize protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen to prevent harmful UV radiation 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 |
| Los Andes | 16 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| Antofagasta UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 |