Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Mollendo, Peru, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for maintaining long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin-related issues. With a climate characterized as BWh, Mollendo enjoys warm and sunny weather, making it particularly important for residents and visitors alike to be aware of the daily UV exposure risks. The UV Index peaks around noon, reaching levels of 9, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Equip yourself with this knowledge to enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index throughout the day demonstrates a distinct peak during the midday hours, reaching its maximum of 9 at 11:00 AM and again at 12:00 PM. As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 4 by 9:00 AM. However, once the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the intensity escalates sharply to 7 before hitting its zenith. Following this, there is a slight tapering off in the afternoon hours, with values nearing 6 at 2:00 PM and gradually decreasing to 3 by 3:00 PM. As daylight wanes, the UV Index plummets, dropping to 1 by 4:00 PM and finally settling at 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling an end to the sun's powerful rays for the day. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection, especially during those peak hours 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 | 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 fluctuate significantly, indicating varied levels of sun exposure risk for both visitors and residents. The highest risk months are from January to April, when the UV Index remains at an extreme level of 16-15, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. May sees a slight decrease to an extreme index of 11, while June and July drop to a very high category of 8-9, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, August through October return to extreme levels (UV Index 12-15) with the same minimal burn time of 10 minutes. Finally, November and December reinforce the extreme risk, again showing a UV Index of 16. It is advisable for everyone to take precautionary measures year-round, especially during high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to prevent 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 |
| Mollendo | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 |
| 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 |