Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of La Portada de la Sierra, Peru, where the BWh climate brings intense sun exposure, particularly during midday hours. With UV levels peaking at 11 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and maintaining healthy skin. This means planning outdoor activities carefully and taking protective measures to minimize risks. Being informed about the UV Index not only safeguards your skin but also enhances your overall enjoyment of the beautiful surroundings, allowing you to embrace the great outdoors while staying safe.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually rising as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 4, urging early risers to stay vigilant. The intensity peaks at noon, hitting a scorching 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This peak continues until 1:00 PM, where it remains at 11 before beginning its descent. The afternoon sees a noticeable drop, with the index falling to 6 by 3:00 PM and further decreasing to 3 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM and finally falls to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling the end of the sun's powerful rays. Stay informed and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, reaching extreme levels across all months. The most critical months for UV exposure are January, February, and March, each showing a UV Index of 15, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk remains high with values between 11 and 14 during the warmer months of April through September, and even as the year winds down, October and November are noteworthy with UV Indexes of 14 and 13, respectively. Given these conditions, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures year-round, including applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize skin damage and health risks.
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 |
| La Portada de la Sierra | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 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 |