UV Index in Arequipa, Peru

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Arequipa, Peru, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health against harmful ultraviolet rays. With the city’s unique BWk climate, where sunny days are abundant, it's essential to be aware of the UV levels throughout the day, especially during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM when the index can soar as high as 11. By monitoring these levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring that you enjoy the beauty of Arequipa while keeping your skin safe. Embrace the sun wisely!

Hourly UV Index in Arequipa

The UV Index today peaked dramatically in the late morning, starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and climbing to an impressive 11 by 12:00. This intense exposure reached its zenith at 11:00, where precautions were essential as the Index hit 10. As the afternoon progressed, the UV levels began to gradually decline, dropping to 4 by 15:00 and further down to a modest 2 by 16:00. By the evening, the sun had softened, bringing the UV Index back to 1 at 17:00, and ultimately fading to 0 by 18:00, when the day's light had nearly vanished. Make sure to stay protected during peak hours to enjoy the sunshine safely!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	10	very high	15 min
12:00	11	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Arequipa

The UV Index fluctuates significantly throughout the year, with the highest risk of exposure occurring in the winter months of January and November, both registering a critical UV Index of 18, which corresponds to an extreme exposure category and a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. Similarly, the months of February, March, April, September, October, and December all maintain an extreme level with indices ranging from 17 to 15, emphasizing the need for consistent sun protection. The late spring to mid-summer months, particularly May to July, see a slight decrease to a very high index of 12 in May and stabilizing at 10-11 during June and July. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions year-round, especially from January to April and September to November, ensuring adequate sunscreen application, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to mitigate the risks of UV-related health issues.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Arequipa, Peru

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Arequipa. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Arequipa, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Arequipa UV Index with Other Peru Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Arequipa compares to other major locations across Peru. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Arequipa's solar exposure compared to other cities in Peru. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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	18	17	17	15	12	10	11	13	15	17	18	17