Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of El Cardo, Peru, where the BWh climate brings intense sunlight throughout the year. With UV levels peaking at 9 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can protect yourself from harmful effects, ensuring your outdoor adventures remain safe and enjoyable. El Cardo's sunny disposition may invite outdoor activities, but it also means heightened exposure risks—knowledge is your best sunscreen!
At 07:00, the UV Index begins its ascent at a mild level of 1. By 08:00, it rises to 2, providing a gentle reminder of the sun's presence. A noticeable leap occurs at 09:00, reaching 4 as outdoor activities start to pick up. The intensity peaks sharply at 11:00, where it hits 8, marking the midday sun's strength. The highest point is at 12:00, with a staggering 9, urging caution for sun-sensitive individuals. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines to 5 by 14:00 and further to 3 at 15:00. By 16:00, it falls to 1, and by 18:00, the UV Index drops to 0, signaling a safe return outdoors as the sun sets, followed by a complete absence of UV radiation by 19:00. Enjoy the sunshine, but remember—protection is key during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains extremely high during the first four months and from late August to early September, peaking at 16 in January, February, October, November, and December, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. In March, the index slightly decreases to 15 but remains within the extreme exposure category. The critical high-risk months for UV exposure are January, February, and October, making it essential for residents and visitors to exercise caution. By June and July, the index dips slightly to 9 and 10, categorized as very high, which allows for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes; however, it's still wise to protect your skin. As the summer ends, the UV Index returns to extreme levels, urging visitors to apply sunscreen frequently, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
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 |
| El Cardo | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Arequipa UVI | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 |