UV Index in Cuenca, Peru

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Cuenca, Peru, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health against harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential not only to prevent painful sunburns but also to reduce long-term risks of skin damage and related health issues. With Cuenca's elevation and climate, residents and visitors experience varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at a significant 12 around midday. This makes it imperative to stay vigilant and take protective measures, especially during the sun's most intense hours. Whether you're exploring the city or enjoying outdoor activities, awareness of the UV Index can help you enjoy the beautiful Andean sun safely.

Hourly UV Index in Cuenca

As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins to rise steadily, peaking at 12 around noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00, it climbs to 2 by 08:00, then surges to a significant 9 by 10:00. The intensity continues to escalate, reaching its maximum at 11 by 11:00, just before noon. After a slight dip to 8 by 14:00, the UV Index begins its gradual decline, dropping to 2 by 16:00, and finally resting at 0 by 18:00—a clear indication that the sun's rays are no longer a concern. To protect your skin, it's crucial to seek shade and apply sunscreen during those peak hours!

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	9	very high	15 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Cuenca

Throughout the year, UV index levels in this region remain alarmingly high, with a consistent range of 18 to 20, indicating extreme exposure risk. The highest-risk months for UV exposure are January through April, where the UV Index caps at 20 in January and remains above 18 through April, necessitating extreme caution during outdoor activities. Although the UV Index slightly decreases during the summer months of June and July, it remains critically high, fluctuating between 12 and 15. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures year-round, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and to limit sun exposure during peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM. Always prioritize skin safety to prevent harmful effects of prolonged UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Cuenca, Peru

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Cuenca. 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 Cuenca, 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 Cuenca UV Index with Other Peru Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Cuenca 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.

Cuenca'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 UVI	18	17	17	15	12	10	11	13	15	17	18	17
Cuenca	20	19	19	18	15	12	14	15	17	18	19	18