Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Tapacocha, Peru, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching 12—which indicates an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure—it's vital to be aware of daily UV fluctuations to prevent sunburn and maintain skin health. Tapacocha, characterized by its high-altitude climate in the ET zone, presents unique challenges with UV radiation, as the thinner atmosphere allows more UV rays to penetrate. Staying informed about UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take essential precautions and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts off gently at 1, making it a great time for morning walkers. By 08:00, it rises to 2, still manageable for outdoor activities. The real intensity kicks in at 09:00, where the UV Index jumps to 5, signaling a need for increased sun protection. 10:00 marks the beginning of peak sun exposure with a UV Index of 8, reaching a dramatic high of 11 at 11:00. As the sun inches towards its zenith, it peaks at 12:00 with a maximum index of 12—a strong reminder to be cautious! The afternoon sees a slight decrease, with 11 at 13:00, followed by a dip to 9 at 14:00. The intensity of the sun gradually fades, dropping to 5 by 15:00, and tapering off to 2 at 16:00. By 17:00, it’s down to 1, and finally, the UV Index relaxes into the evening, hitting 0 by 18:00 and remaining there through 19:00. Remember, the hours around midday are the most potent for UV rays, so prioritize sun safety during those peak times!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
During the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, reflecting extreme exposure risk throughout most months. Notably, the high-risk months span from January to April, where the UV Index peaks at 18, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. As the year progresses into May through August, the index slightly decreases but remains high, with UV levels around 12 to 14. The risk resurges in September to November, maintaining elevated values of 16 to 17. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures year-round, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Tapacocha | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 |