Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Leticia, Peru is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. In a region known for its hot and humid climate, especially under the Equatorial Tropical (ET) zone, UV levels can soar to dangerous heights, peaking at 13 between noon and early afternoon. Awareness of these levels is vital not only for preventing sunburn but also for reducing the long-term risks of skin damage and skin cancer. Whether you’re enjoying the lush Amazon rainforest or exploring the vibrant local culture, staying informed about UV exposure can help you enjoy the outdoors safely.
The UV Index today is a testament to the sun's intensity as it peaks during the midday hours. Starting with a gentle maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM, the index rises steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the UV levels become more intense, hitting 5 by 9:00 AM. The real heat is felt at 11:00 AM when the index surges to 12, and it reaches its pinnacle at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a blistering 13. After this, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and settling to a more moderate level of 6 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, the index falls sharply once again, landing at 1 by 5:00 PM, and hitting 0 by 6:00 PM, indicating a safe time to enjoy the outdoors without sun protection. Overall, it's crucial to take appropriate sun safety measures during the peak hours to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain consistently high, with an extreme exposure category reported monthly. The highest UV Index readings of 19 occur consistently from January to March, identifying this period as high-risk for harmful sun exposure. Following these months, the UV Index slightly decreases, yet remains elevated with values around 15 to 18 until November. Visitors and residents are advised to adopt protective measures year-round, including wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours to avoid sunburn in as little as 10 minutes.
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 |
Leticia | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 |