Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ricardo Palma, Peru, where the climate's semi-arid characteristics can lead to significant sun exposure. The UV Index provides vital information for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, especially during the peak hours when levels can reach a staggering 11 around noon. With Ricardo Palma's typically warm days, recognizing these UV levels helps you stay informed and safe, ensuring you enjoy the sun without compromising your skin’s well-being. Being proactive about sun safety is essential in this vibrant environment where sunlight is in abundance!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reaches its peak between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, soaring to a striking 11. The morning starts gently, with the index at a modest 1 by 7:00 AM, slowly climbing to 4 by 9:00 AM. The sun then intensifies, pushing the index to a strong 10 at 11:00 AM, signaling it's time to seek shade and protect your skin. By 2:00 PM, it begins to wane, dropping to 8, and further decreases to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index continues to fall, reaching 2 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 by 5:00 PM and 0 as the sun sets at 6:00 PM. Stay aware and shield yourself during those crucial midday hours!
| 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 | 9 | 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 shows extreme levels from January to April, with a consistent reading of 15 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This high-risk period continues into May, where it remains extreme at 11. A slight decrease is observed in June, where the UV index drops to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. The index rises again through July (11), August (12), and September (14), marking these months as particularly hazardous for skin exposure. Entering October through December, the UV index returns to 15 with an extreme exposure category, emphasizing the need for vigilance year-round. Given these readings, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautionary measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, especially between late morning and early afternoon.
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 |
| Ricardo Palma | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Arequipa UVI | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 |