Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Santa Catalina, Peru, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the sun's harmful rays. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns, but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With a climate characterized by a Cfb classification, Santa Catalina experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when the index can soar to 15 around noon. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the sun responsibly while protecting themselves from its potential dangers.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a clear peak and decline, reflecting the intensity of sunlight. As early as 07:00, the index starts at a modest 1, gradually rising to 3 by 08:00. However, at 09:00, it surges dramatically to 6 and reaches its zenith at 12:00 with an impressive 15. The afternoon sees a slight decrease, with readings of 14 at 13:00 and 11 at 14:00, before falling rapidly. By 15:00, the index dips to 7, and by 16:00, it drops further to 3, finally reaching 1 at 17:00 and slipping to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly between 10:00 and 14:00, when the UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |
| Santa Catalina | 17 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 16 |