Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Marcos, Peru is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With an impressive climate characterized by high-altitude exposure, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During the sunniest hours—particularly between 10 AM and 12 PM—UV levels can soar to a staggering 16, indicating a need for strong sun protection. This guide will navigate the daily UV Index fluctuations in San Marcos, ensuring you stay informed and safe while enjoying the beautiful Peruvian landscape.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its subtle rise, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it surges to a moderate 3, promising a gentle exposure to sunlight. As the day progresses, the intensity peaks dramatically; by 10:00, it hits a striking 11, reaching its zenith at 12:00 with a scorching 16. The afternoon sees a slight decrease, with readings of 14 at 13:00 and 11 at 14:00, signaling a gradual retreat from the intense midday sun. As evening approaches, the index dwindles to 6 by 15:00, resting at a comfortable 3 by 16:00. Finally, as darkness descends at 18:00, the UV Index falls to 0, concluding a day marked by intense solar exposure. Stay sun-smart during peak hours for your safety and comfort!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 16 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index values reveal consistently extreme exposure risks, particularly from January to April when levels peak at 21. The high-risk months are January, February, and March, where the burn time is just 10 minutes, necessitating strict sun protection measures including sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. As we move into April, although the UV Index slightly decreases to 19, caution should remain a priority. The UV Index gradually declines during the summer months, but July and August still pose substantial risks at 15. In September and October, the values rebound to 19, reminding visitors and residents that sun safety remains crucial even as seasons transition. It is advisable for everyone to stay vigilant about UV exposure year-round, especially during these peak months, to protect skin health effectively.
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 Marcos | 21 | 20 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 19 |