UV Index in La Merced, Peru

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In La Merced, Peru, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it crucial for both locals and visitors alike. With its BSk climate, La Merced experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index peaks at a striking 12. This sharp rise in UV levels, especially from 10 AM to 2 PM, calls for caution and smart sun protection to ensure your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable.

Hourly UV Index in La Merced

The UV Index shows a dynamic rise and fall throughout the day, peaking at a maximum of 12 around 12:00 PM. Starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the intensity escalates, hitting 11 by 11:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 8, making it crucial to seek shade or apply sunscreen as midday approaches. After the noon peak, the index gradually declines, dropping to 4 by 3:00 PM and continuing to decrease, eventually reaching 0 by 6:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of being sun-smart during the hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when UV exposure is at its highest.

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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in La Merced

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for La Merced, Peru

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in La Merced 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.

La Merced'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
La Merced	18	19	19	17	14	12	13	14	16	18	18	18