Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Cristobal, Peru is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health as you enjoy the outdoors. With peak UV levels soaring to a hazardous 13 during midday, awareness can mean the difference between a fun day in the sun and painful sunburn. The high altitudes and tropical climate of San Cristobal bring unique challenges, elevating ultraviolet exposure significantly. Stay informed about UV levels to ensure your time in this vibrant region remains safe and enjoyable.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to reach 2 by 08:00. The intensity ramps up significantly as the day progresses, peaking at a striking 13 at 12:00. The sun's rays hit their maximum power between 11:00 and 13:00, with a 12 at 11:00 and lingering at 13 until 12:00. After that, the UV Index starts to decline, dipping to 9 by 14:00 and further down to 5 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the index falls to 2 at 16:00, then returns to a safe 1 at 17:00 before wrapping up the day with a zero reading by 18:00. This pattern underscores the importance of sun safety during those peak hours when the UV Index is highest.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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, the UV Index remains consistently extreme, peaking in January at 22 and remaining high until May, where it starts to lower slightly to 15 in June. The UV Index rises again in September and October, reaching 19 and 20 respectively, before stabilizing into late autumn and winter months. Key high-risk months for sun exposure are January, February, and March, each with a UV Index above 20 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours, to minimize the risk of harmful UV radiation effects.
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 |
| San Cristobal | 22 | 20 | 21 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 20 |