Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Cruz Blanca, Peru, where the sun's rays can pose significant risks to skin health. With a BSh climate that typically features clear skies, the risk of sunburn can escalate quickly, particularly during peak hours when UV levels soar to as high as 10 around midday. Being aware of UV levels helps in taking effective precautions to prevent skin damage and long-term health issues associated with excessive sun exposure. By staying informed and proactive, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery of Cruz Blanca while safeguarding your skin against harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a compelling narrative of sun exposure, peaking at a staggering 10 at 12:00 PM, indicating a need for caution. As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs from 1 at 7:00 AM to a notable 4 by 9:00 AM. The ascent continues, reaching 9 by 11:00 AM, before hitting its maximum at noon. However, as the afternoon progresses, the intensity wanes, with readings dropping to 7 by 2:00 PM and eventually falling to 1 by 5:00 PM. As twilight approaches, the Index dips to 0 after 6:00 PM, promising safe evening conditions. Engaging with the sun requires awareness; ensure you're 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 demonstrates significant seasonal variation, remaining exceedingly high throughout the year, with an extreme exposure category consistently marked. The months from January to April show a peak UV Index of 15-16, indicating the most critical risk periods for skin damage due to sun exposure, with a burn time as brief as 10 minutes. As we transition into summer, the UV Index begins to stabilize, dropping slightly to a maximum of 12 in June and August, yet still necessitating caution. Notably, July has an 11 UV Index while September sees a rise back to 13. The risk remains elevated through October to December, with indices returning to 14. Residents and visitors should adhere to sun safety measures—such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak hours—to protect against harmful UV exposure, especially during these high-risk months when burn times are critically short.
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 |
| Cruz Blanca | 15 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 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 |