Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Pativilca, Peru, where the tropical climate can pose significant sun exposure risks. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, especially during peak hours when the intensity is at its highest. With UV Index readings in Pativilca reaching a maximum of 12 around midday, it's vital to take precautions against harmful rays. The sunny weather characteristic of this BSh climate zone underscores the importance of shielding your skin from potential damage, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic range of solar intensity, peaking at 12 around noon. Starting the day gently, the index registers a low 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches 5 by 9:00 AM, then surges to a robust 11 by 11:00 AM, signaling higher caution for outdoor activities. The peak at midday is a daunting 12, urging everyone to seek shade and wear protective gear. The intensity begins to taper off in the afternoon, dropping back to 8 at 2:00 PM and further to 5 by 3:00 PM. By the late afternoon, the index drops significantly to 1 at 5:00 PM and settles at 0 by 6:00 PM, giving a gentle reminder that the sun's might can vary dramatically throughout the day.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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 |
| Pativilca | 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 |