Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in La Cuesta, Peru, where the sunny climate can lead to elevated UV exposure. Monitoring UV levels helps prevent sunburn and safeguard skin health, making it essential for outdoor enthusiasts and sun-seekers alike. La Cuesta, located in a BWk climate zone, typically experiences high UV readings, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when levels can soar to a maximum of 13. Staying informed about these UV levels is key to enjoying the sun safely while protecting your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dramatic rise and fall throughout the daylight hours. Starting at a minimal 1 at 07:00, it quickly escalates to 2 by 08:00. A major spike occurs at 10:00, reaching a peak of 13 by 12:00, as the sun is at its zenith. This peak intensity wanes in the afternoon; it dips to 9 at 14:00, then to 5 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the numbers drop significantly, falling to 1 by 17:00 and eventually to 0 after 18:00. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its 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 | 11 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 the year, with the highest values recorded from January to April, where it consistently reaches 17, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Although the UV Index sees a slight decrease during the summer months of June, July, and August (dropping to 12), the risk remains significant. May marks a transitional period with an index of 13, while the fall months of September to November maintain a high UV Index of 15. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures year-round, particularly during January to April, ensuring they wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limit direct sun exposure to avoid severe sunburn in just 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 |
| La Cuesta | 16 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Arequipa UVI | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 |