Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Utao, Peru, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. As the sun climbs high in the sky, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, UV levels can reach dangerously high peaks, with a maximum reading of 13 at noon. Understanding these UV levels not only helps in planning outdoor activities but also protects against long-term skin damage, making sun safety a top priority. Given Utao’s temperate Cfb climate, residents and visitors alike should take note of their UV exposure risks throughout the day to ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience under the sun.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic journey of sun intensity. Starting at 07:00, the Index begins modestly at 1, but by 09:00, it jumps to a moderate 5, signaling the sun's increasing power. The peak intensity strikes at 12:00, where it reaches 13, demanding caution and protective measures for outdoor enthusiasts. As the day progresses past noon, the Index gradually declines; at 14:00, it slips to 9, then to 5 by 15:00, and further down to 2 by 16:00. The sun's grip loosens by late afternoon, dropping to 1 at 17:00 before finally resting at 0 by 18:00 and 19:00. This hourly fluctuation highlights the importance of sun safety during peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 13:00 when UV exposure is at its 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 | 11 | 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 |
The UV Index data illustrates that from January to April, the levels remain consistently high, peaking at 19, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this peak, while the index slightly decreases to 15 in May, it remains in the extreme category until July. Notably, August sees a slight increase to 14 before rising again in September to 16. The index remains high into November and December with values of 18 and 17 respectively. Consequently, January through April represent the highest risk months for UV exposure. Residents and visitors should take proactive precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, especially during midday hours to minimize the risk of 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 |
| 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 |
| Utao | 18 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 |