UV Index in Arenal, Peru

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for anyone living in or visiting Arenal, Peru, where the sun’s rays can be deceptively powerful. With a tropical BWh climate, it's essential to stay informed about UV levels to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. For instance, during peak hours, the UV Index in Arenal can soar to 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being aware of these levels, you can take proactive steps to enjoy Arenal’s beautiful landscapes while safeguarding your skin against UV damage.

Hourly UV Index in Arenal

At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually rising as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 4, urging early risers to stay vigilant. The intensity peaks at noon, hitting a scorching 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This peak continues until 1:00 PM, where it remains at 11 before beginning its descent. The afternoon sees a noticeable drop, with the index falling to 6 by 3:00 PM and further decreasing to 3 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM and finally falls to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling the end of the sun's powerful rays. Stay informed and protect your skin 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	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	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	6	high	25 min
16:00	3	moderate	30 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Arenal

The UV Index shows consistently high levels throughout the year, peaking in March with a striking 16 and remaining in the extreme exposure category. The high-risk months for sun exposure are January through April, during which the UV Index ranges from 14 to 16, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes before significant skin damage can occur. While summer months, particularly June and July, reflect a slight decrease to 11, the risk remains classified as extreme. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions during these months, such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate and cause harm, so stay vigilant throughout the year.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Arenal, Peru

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Arenal. 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 Arenal, 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 Arenal UV Index with Other Peru Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Arenal 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.

Arenal'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
Arenal	14	15	16	15	13	11	11	12	13	13	13	13
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