Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for everyone living in or visiting Puerto Maldonado, Peru, where the tropical climate and high sun exposure can lead to significant skin health risks. With UV levels soaring to a maximum of 10 during midday hours, being aware of these levels is crucial for effective sunburn prevention and protecting your skin from long-term damage. The typical conditions in this Af climate zone highlight the importance of vigilance, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the sun's rays are at their strongest, making UV Index awareness not just helpful, but necessary for maintaining your well-being in this vibrant region.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a pronounced peak around midday. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index reaches a notable 10 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following this zenith, the intensity tapers off, dropping to 8 at 1:00 PM and gently descending to 5 by 2:00 PM. Afterward, the UV Index continues to decline, sinking to 3 at 3:00 PM, before finally resting at 1 by 4:00 PM and diminishing to 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe end to sun exposure for the day. It's a classic reminder of the sun's potent power—stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | 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 levels remain notably high, especially from January to April and during November and December, where the UV Index often reaches extremes, peaking at 15 and 16. The high-risk months for UV exposure are therefore primarily concentrated between January and April, as well as in November. Visitors and residents alike should take precautions during these months, limiting sun exposure to 10 minutes during the day to avoid serious skin damage. As we move into June and July, while the UV Index drops slightly to 10, the exposure remains very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. It is essential for everyone, especially in high UV months, to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible to safeguard against the intense solar radiation.
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 |
| Puerto Maldonado | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 |
| 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 |