Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Cruz, Peru, where the sun can be deceptively intense. With typical UV levels peaking at 14 during midday, awareness of these numbers is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Santa Cruz enjoys a tropical climate, but this also means increased exposure risks. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects. Don't let the sun catch you off guard; stay informed and stay safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its journey, peaking with intensity around noon. Starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to 3 by 8:00 AM, gaining momentum as the day progresses. The real excitement unfolds at 10:00 AM, hitting a striking 10, and reaching its zenith at 12:00 PM with an impressive 14. For the next hour, the index remains high at 13, before tapering off to 9 by 2:00 PM. As the afternoon sun begins to descend, the index lowers to 6 at 3:00 PM, and continues to drop to a gentle 2 by 4:00 PM. By the time the day winds down, the UV Index returns to a safe 1 at 5:00 PM, and finally settles at 0 as evening falls, reminding us of the sun's powerful influence during daylight hours. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels remain consistently high, with values ranging from 12 to 18, categorizing exposure as extreme. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January through April, where the UV index peaks at 18, leading to a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. May sees a slight decline, but it remains critical with a UV index of 14. As summer months approach, from June to August, the index fluctuates between 12 and 14 but continues to warrant caution. The fall months of September and October see a resurgence in UV levels, returning to 16 and 17, respectively. Thus, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take preventive measures year-round, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risks associated with high UV exposure.
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 |
| Arequipa UVI | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 |
| Santa Cruz | 17 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 16 |