Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Chalhuanca, Peru, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and maintaining overall health under the intense sun. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in this high-altitude climate where sunlight is more potent. With UV Index values peaking at an intense 14 around midday, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant about sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM. Being informed about these risks allows everyone to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while prioritizing skin safety.
Starting from a gentle UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the day quickly warms up, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, the intensity ramps up to 7, and by 10:00 AM, it hits a peak of 10, signaling that it's time to apply sunscreen! The UV exposure continues to climb, culminating at an intense 14 at 12:00 PM, before it gradually begins to decline. By 1:00 PM, the index dips to 12, and by 2:00 PM, it lowers significantly to 8. Throughout the afternoon, the UV levels drop further, reaching 5 at 3:00 PM, then sliding down to 2 at 4:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV index falls even more, returning to 1 at 5:00 PM and finally decreasing to 0 after 6:00 PM. This pattern underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | 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 |
The UV Index remains notably high throughout the year, with extreme exposure levels recorded each month. From January to March, the UV Index peaks, reaching its highest value of 21 in March, making these the high-risk months for skin damage—indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the year progresses, UV levels gradually decline, with June registering at 11 and the subsequent months remaining elevated between 13 and 18. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during any outdoor activities, especially in January, February, and March, to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Regular application of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours are strongly advised for everyone during these periods.
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 |
| Chalhuanca | 20 | 19 | 21 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |