Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Puno, Peru, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's BWk climate characterized by high altitudes and intense sun exposure, the UV levels can rise dramatically throughout the day—peaking at 10 during midday hours. This heightened risk means that without proper awareness and protective measures, sunburns and long-term skin damage become significant concerns. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin's health from the sun's harmful rays.
The UV Index starts off low in the early morning hours, with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM. As the day progresses, the sun's intensity increases, peaking sharply at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a staggering 10. From this zenith, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 7 by 2:00 PM and subsequently falling to 0 by 7:00 PM. The sun's journey clearly highlights the need for sun protection during the midday hours when UV exposure is most intense, making it essential to be vigilant from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index readings indicate significant variability in exposure levels, particularly highlighting high-risk months. From January to April, the UV Index consistently reaches 16 (extreme), allowing for a burn time of merely 10 minutes. May experiences a slight decrease to an index of 11 (still extreme), shifting burn time to 10 minutes. Entering peak summer, June and July show a reduced index of 9 and 10 respectively (very high), allowing for an increased burn time of 15 minutes. However, as fall approaches, months like August and September again see figures hitting 12 and 14 (extreme), narrowing burn time back to 10 minutes. The year concludes with high readings from October to December (16), underscoring that winter months are not to be underestimated. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions year-round—especially during high-risk months like January through April, August, and November—by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade when necessary to mitigate harmful 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 |
| Puno | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 |
| Arequipa UVI | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 |