Last updated: June 2, 2025
In San Carlos, Peru, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a climate classified as Cfb, this region experiences varied UV exposure that can lead to sunburn or long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours. From a moderate UV Index of 1 in the early morning to a striking maximum of 13 at noon, awareness of these levels empowers residents and visitors to take the necessary precautions against harmful rays. Prioritizing UV safety not only aids in sunburn prevention but also supports long-term skin health, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV variations.
From dawn till dusk, the UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity. At 07:00, the day begins with a gentle UVI of 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, the index makes a dramatic leap at 09:00 reaching 5, powering into the peak of the day with a striking 11 at 11:00 and peaking at a scorching 13 by noon. The afternoon sees a slight retreat, dropping to 12 at 13:00, then 9 at 14:00 before concluding the day with a comfortable 6 at 15:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index softens, settling back to 3 at 16:00 and finally fading to 1 by 17:00, marking an end to any sun-soaked adventures. By sunset, the index returns to 0 from 18:00 onwards, reminding us of the day's brilliant sun and the care we must take during its peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories reported from January to December, indicating a persistent risk of skin damage. Notably, the highest values occur in March (19) and April (18), making these months particularly high-risk for sun exposure. Residents and visitors alike should exercise caution, especially between January and April, when the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. It's advisable to always wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of overexposure. Maintaining vigilance throughout the year is essential, as even in the cooler months, the UV Index hovers around 16 to 17, keeping the risk of skin damage ever-present.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callao UVI | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 |
| Lima UVI | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 |
| Trujillo UVI | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Chiclayo UVI | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 |
| Arequipa UVI | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 |
| San Carlos | 17 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 16 |