Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Pedro, Peru, where the sun shines brightly year-round. With the region's arid BWh climate, UV levels can peak significantly, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when they reach as high as 9. Awareness of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. By grasping the risks associated with high UV exposure, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself while enjoying all that San Pedro has to offer.
The UV index throughout the day exhibits a dynamic rise and fall, reflecting the sun's intensity. At 07:00, the index starts low at 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 4, but excitement peaks at 12:00 with a striking 9, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. The intensity tapers down after this noon pinnacle—falling to 8 at 13:00, then 6 at 14:00. As afternoon turns to evening, the index diminishes significantly, settling at 4 by 15:00, dropping to 2 at 16:00, and finally winding down to 1 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the index recedes completely, hitting 0 by 18:00, leaving a tranquil end to the day. Remember, during peak times, sun protection is crucial!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with notably high levels during the winter and early spring months. From January to March, the UV Index reaches a peak of 14, categorized as extreme, with a rapid burn time of only 10 minutes. April slightly dips to 13, still in the extreme category, before dropping to 10 and 9 in May and June, where it remains very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As summer transitions into fall, August sees an increase back to 11 (extreme), and September spikes to 13, with October climbing again to 14. The year concludes with November at 15 (extreme) and December back at 14. Visitors and residents should exercise caution and protective measures during these high-risk months, particularly from January through April and again in November, ensuring to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours to avoid 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 |
| San Pedro | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 |
| 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 |