Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Santa Ana, Peru, where the sun shines brightly in a tropical highland climate. With UV levels peaking at 14 around midday, it's essential to be aware of the risks associated with sun exposure, such as sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the outdoors safely. Whether you're hiking the beautiful landscapes or simply enjoying a day in the sun, staying informed about UV levels can help you avoid harmful effects and keep your skin safe under the Peruvian sun.
As the sun rises at 7:00 AM, the UV Index starts low at 1, offering a gentle reminder to enjoy the day safely. By 9:00 AM, it spikes to 6, urging early risers to consider sun protection. The real intensity hits from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, where the UV Index peaks at an impressive 14 at noon, signaling it’s time for serious sun safety measures. After this peak, the intensity begins to wane; the index drops to 10 at 1:00 PM before gradually decreasing throughout the afternoon. By 5:00 PM, the index returns to a safe 1, and by 6:00 PM, the sun's rays fade to a soothing 0, ushering in a well-deserved evening respite from UV exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 consistently high, categorizing exposure as extreme. January through April sees the highest values, peaking at 23, indicating a 10-minute burn time for unprotected skin. Even as we move into May to August, while the index decreases to a minimum of 13, the risk remains significant, with 10 minutes still representing the time frame for potential burns. September and October return to 20, with November and December slightly lower at 21. Given this data, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take stringent sun protection measures year-round, particularly during the high-risk months from January to April, and to remain vigilant even in the late fall and winter months. Wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade are all essential steps to ensure outdoor safety.
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 |
| Santa Ana | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 21 |