UV Index in San Carlos, Peru

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in San Carlos, Peru is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With high levels of UV radiation peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, awareness becomes essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The Cfb climate of San Carlos, characterized by mild temperatures, can often lead residents and visitors to underestimate sun exposure risks. By monitoring UV levels, you can effectively plan your outdoor activities to enjoy the beautiful weather while protecting your skin.

Hourly UV Index in San Carlos

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, hitting a mild 1 by 7:00 AM. The intensity grows steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and then surging to 5 at 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index peaks at a robust 8, warning of increasing exposure risk. 11:00 AM sees the UV rays intensify to an impressive 11, leading to a maximum of 13 at 12:00 PM, making it critical to stay protected. The afternoon sun starts to mellow out, dropping to 12 by 1:00 PM, then gradually tapering off to 10 at 2:00 PM, 6 at 3:00 PM, and further declining to 3 at 4:00 PM. Finally, as evening descends, the index falls to 1 by 5:00 PM and remains at that level through 6:00 PM, until fading to 0 after sunset at 7:00 PM. Stay vigilant and shield yourself during those peak midday hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	8	very high	15 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Carlos

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Carlos, Peru

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in San Carlos. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for San Carlos, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare San Carlos UV Index with Other Peru Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Carlos compares to other major locations across Peru. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

San Carlos's solar exposure compared to other cities in Peru. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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