Last updated: June 2, 2025
In San Antonio, Peru, being aware of the UV Index is paramount for your skin health and sunburn prevention. Understanding UV levels is essential, especially in this elevated climate zone (ET) where sun exposure can rapidly affect your skin. With peak UV Index readings reaching as high as 12 around noon, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen becomes crucial to avoid harmful effects. The typical weather patterns and high UV exposure can lead to serious risks, making it vital to stay informed and protect your skin during those intense hours of sunlight.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 07:00, but as the morning unfolds, it swiftly climbs. By 09:00, the index hits 6, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The sun reaches its zenith around noon, peaking at a scorching 12 at 12:00. 11:00 to 12:00 marks the most dangerous hours for sun exposure, with the UV Index staying at 11 and 12, so sunscreen is essential! After this peak, a gradual decline begins. By 14:00, it drops to 7, and then further descends into the afternoon and evening, stabilizing at 0 by 19:00, indicating a safe end to sun exposure for the day. This data serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe during those critical midday hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain strikingly high, consistently categorized as extreme. From January to March, the UV Index reaches its peak at 25, with a burn time of just 10 minutes, meaning visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution. April to June sees a gradual decline with UV Index values ranging from 18 to 12, still maintaining a burn time of 10 minutes. The summer months, July and August, exhibit UV Index levels of 13 to 15, while September to November marks a slight increase, peaking again at 20 in November. Notably, the beginning and end of the year pose the highest risk, making January, February, and November the most critical months for UV exposure. To ensure safety, it is imperative for everyone to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak hours, particularly during these high-risk months.
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 Antonio | 24 | 25 | 24 | 18 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 23 |