Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Vilcabamba, Peru, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors alike to safeguard their skin health. Understanding the daily UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in reducing the long-term risks of skin damage and skin cancer. Nestled in a Cfb climate zone, Vilcabamba experiences a mix of sunny days and mild temperatures, yet the UV Index can soar, particularly during midday when it reaches a peak of 13. With levels fluctuating throughout the day—from a mere 1 at dawn to a striking 12 at noon—being informed about these UV risks enables individuals to take appropriate protective measures, ensuring an enjoyable and safe outdoor experience.
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 |
| Vilcabamba | 18 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 |