Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Barbara, Peru, is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation, especially in this sun-kissed climate characterized by its dry, tropical conditions. With midday UV levels peaking at a concerning 10, awareness of these fluctuating levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin health issues. Given the region's typical UV exposure risks, particularly during the hours of 11 AM to 1 PM, staying informed empowers residents and visitors alike to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing their risks. Be proactive—know your UV Index!
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 shows significant seasonal variation, with extreme levels persisting from January to April and notable spikes returning in the fall months of September, October, and November. The high-risk months (with a UV Index of 15 or higher) are January through April and November, indicating a consistent risk for sunburn with a burn time as short as 10 minutes during these periods. Even in the summer months of June through August, options remain elevated but shift slightly to very high, allowing a slightly longer exposure of 15 minutes in June before returning to a 10-minute burn time. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, particularly during high UV Index periods, by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak 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 |
| 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 |
| Santa Barbara | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 |
| Arequipa UVI | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 |