Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial in Buenos Aires, Peru, where daily sun exposure can significantly impact skin health. With the city's BWh climate, residents face heightened risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can reach a maximum of 10 around noon. By keeping a close eye on UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself against harmful rays and enjoy the sun safely. Whether it's planning outdoor activities or applying sunscreen, being aware of the UV Index is key to maintaining your skin's health while soaking up the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, reaching a maximum of 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, signaling the start of a bright day. The index continues to rise, hitting 3 by 09:00, and then takes a notable leap to 6 by 10:00. The peak occurs at 12:00 and 13:00, where a scorching 10 warns of high sun exposure risk. After this zenith, the UV intensity starts to decline, dropping to 8 at 14:00, followed by a gentle descent to 5 by 15:00, before tapering down to 3 at 16:00. By the evening, the UV Index returns to a safe level of 1 at 17:00 and finally declines to 0 by 19:00, signaling the end of sun exposure for the day. Stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant variations throughout the year, with extreme levels predominantly occurring from January to April, and again in August and September. The highest values are recorded in March (15) and consistently at 14 in January, February, April, and May. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, particularly from January to April and during August and September, when the burn time is as brief as 10 minutes. It is advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen to minimize the risk of harm from UV radiation during these high-risk months. From June to July, the UV Index drops slightly to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes, yet caution remains essential.
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 |
| Buenos Aires | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |