Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Santiago, Peru, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the city’s arid BWk climate. Daily UV levels can rapidly escalate, peaking around noon with an index of 11, indicating extreme risk—making awareness vital for outdoor activities. With significant exposure from the sun typically occurring between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, staying informed about UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences under the Peruvian sun.
The UV Index today peaked dramatically in the late morning, starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and climbing to an impressive 11 by 12:00. This intense exposure reached its zenith at 11:00, where precautions were essential as the Index hit 10. As the afternoon progressed, the UV levels began to gradually decline, dropping to 4 by 15:00 and further down to a modest 2 by 16:00. By the evening, the sun had softened, bringing the UV Index back to 1 at 17:00, and ultimately fading to 0 by 18:00, when the day's light had nearly vanished. Make sure to stay protected during peak hours to enjoy the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
| Santiago | 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 |