Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Barbara de Carhuacayan, Peru, where the sun's rays can quickly escalate in intensity. Understanding UV levels is not just about avoiding sunburn; it plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With a climate classified as ET (tundra), Santa Barbara experiences unique UV exposure risks, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at an alarming 13. By staying informed about daily UV fluctuations, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
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 |
The UV Index exhibits extreme levels throughout most months of the year, with particularly high readings from January to April, where values consistently reach 21-22. Although there is a slight decline in the UV Index from May to June (dropping to 15-13), the risk remains elevated, with July and August seeing values of 14-15. The UV Index rises again in the fall, peaking at 20 in November. Therefore, visitors and residents should exercise caution during these high-risk months, particularly from January through April, and ensure proper sun protection measures such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade if staying outdoors for more than 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 |
| Santa Barbara de Carhuacayan | 22 | 21 | 21 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 19 |