Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Salamanca, Peru, a region known for its warm and sunny climate. With UV levels peaking at an impressive 12 around midday, being aware of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. As you enjoy the bright days characteristic of the BWh climate, it’s important to recognize the risks of high UV exposure, especially during the late morning to early afternoon hours when the sun's intensity can lead to harmful effects. Stay informed and protect yourself while basking in the beauty of Salamanca!
During the day, the UV Index experiences a significant surge, peaking at 12 between noon and 1 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning starts off relatively mild, with values of 1 at 7 AM, increasing steadily to 5 by 9 AM. As the clock approaches 10 AM, the index climbs to 8, and by 11 AM, it reaches an intensity of 11. The sun’s power begins to wane after 1 PM, dropping to 9 at 2 PM and then declining further to 6 by 3 PM. The afternoon shadows bring relief as the UV Index dwindles to 3 at 4 PM and falls to 1 by 5 PM before finally settling at 0 post 6 PM. It’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 11 AM and 1 PM!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values reveal consistently extreme exposure levels, with the highest recorded in March at 16 and throughout the winter months at 15. Notably, January to April stand out as high-risk months due to their elevated UV levels, where a mere 10-minute exposure can lead to sunburn. Although the UV Index decreases slightly during May to August, it remains high, ranging from 11 to 13, suggesting caution is still warranted. As we transition into September to December, UV levels stabilize around 14, maintaining an extreme exposure category. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses year-round, particularly during these high-risk months to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| Salamanca | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Arequipa UVI | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 |