Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Cruz, Peru is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the sun reaching its peak intensity during the midday hours, awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. In this vibrant, BWh climate region, typical exposure risks increase significantly, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when UV levels soar to 10. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine safely by monitoring the UV Index to ensure you and your loved ones stay protected!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index experiences a notable rise, peaking at a maximum of 10 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early morning rays see the index start modestly at 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 4 by 09:00. The sun reaches its zenith at noon, prompting a cautious approach to outdoor activities. From 1:00 PM, the index begins a gradual decline, tapering to 4 by 3:00 PM, and reverting to safer levels below 2 by 4:00 PM. As daylight wanes, the index drops to 0 after 6:00 PM, signaling that the sun's intensity has fully subsided. Remember to stay sun-safe during peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 |
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 |
| Santa Cruz | 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 |