UV Index in Iquitos, Peru

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Iquitos, Peru, is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With a tropical rainforest climate, Iquitos experiences high UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index peaks at 11. This highlights the importance of being aware of UV levels, as elevated indices significantly increase the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can take appropriate precautions to protect their skin health while enjoying the vibrant beauty of Iquitos.

Hourly UV Index in Iquitos

The UV Index throughout the day showcases a striking progression, peaking at 11 between 11:00 and 12:00. Early in the morning, the index is low, starting at 1 at 07:00, then steadily climbs to 3 by 08:00 and 5 by 09:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the intensity escalates rapidly, hitting a high of 8 by 10:00. This intense exposure continues, making 11:00 and 12:00 critical hours for sun safety, especially for outdoor activities. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the index falling to 10 at 13:00 and tapering off to 8 at 14:00. By late afternoon, the UV strength diminishes further, dropping to 5 by 15:00, and finishing the day at a negligible 0 by 19:00, highlighting the importance of sun protection during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	8	very high	15 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	10	very high	15 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Iquitos

The UV Index experiences notably high levels year-round, with the most intense months from January to April, where the index consistently registers between 15 and 16, categorized as extreme. This period marks the high-risk months for UV exposure, as individuals can burn in just 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Although the index slightly decreases during the summer months (May to August), it remains significant, ranging from 11 to 14. As a result, it is crucial for residents and visitors to take appropriate precautions throughout the year, especially during these high-risk months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible to mitigate the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Iquitos, Peru

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Iquitos. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Iquitos, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Iquitos UV Index with Other Peru Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Iquitos compares to other major locations across Peru. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Iquitos's solar exposure compared to other cities in Peru. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Iquitos	15	16	16	16	14	12	11	12	13	14	13	13
Arequipa UVI	18	17	17	15	12	10	11	13	15	17	18	17