Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in La Esmeralda, Peru, is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With the Andean climate offering high UV exposure, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and promote skin health. During peak hours, the UV Index can soar to 13, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being informed about local UV conditions, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to safeguard their skin and enjoy the beautiful, sunlit days in La Esmeralda.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to reach 2 by 08:00. The intensity ramps up significantly as the day progresses, peaking at a striking 13 at 12:00. The sun's rays hit their maximum power between 11:00 and 13:00, with a 12 at 11:00 and lingering at 13 until 12:00. After that, the UV Index starts to decline, dipping to 9 by 14:00 and further down to 5 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the index falls to 2 at 16:00, then returns to a safe 1 at 17:00 before wrapping up the day with a zero reading by 18:00. This pattern underscores the importance of sun safety during those peak hours when the UV Index is highest.
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain alarmingly high, fluctuating between 12 and 19, all categorized as extreme. The high-risk months for UV exposure are consistently from January to April, where UV Index values peak at 18 or 19, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, a slight decrease is noted, particularly in June and July with values dipping to 12 and 13, before rising slightly again in August and September. For visitors and residents, it is imperative to take precautionary measures year-round, including using high-SPF sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to mitigate the severe risks associated with excessive UV exposure.
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 |
La Esmeralda | 18 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 18 |