UV Index in Punta Arena, Peru

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is essential for health and safety in Punta Arena, Peru, where the sun shines brightly in a BWh climate zone. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also significantly contributes to long-term skin health. With daily peaks reaching a UV Index of 11 during midday hours, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant about sun protection. By grasping the significance of these UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful Peruvian sunshine while minimizing your risk of skin damage.

Hourly UV Index in Punta Arena

The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, peaking during the midday hours. At 07:00, the index starts low at 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. Things heat up significantly by 10:00, soaring to 7, and reaching its maximum of 11 at 12:00 and 13:00—the perfect time for sun protection. As the afternoon sets in, the index gracefully declines, dropping to 8 at 14:00, then tapering off to 5 by 15:00, and further down to 3 at 16:00. By the time evening arrives, the UV Index returns to a safe 1 at 17:00 and further diminishes to 0 by 19:00. This fluctuation underscores the importance of vigilant sun safety, especially 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	10	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	8	very high	15 min
15:00	5	moderate	30 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 Punta Arena

The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, particularly in the initial months from January to April, where it peaks at 16 in March, categorizing these months as high-risk for UV exposure. Even in the latter half of the year, months like September and October maintain high indices of 14. With extreme exposure categories and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes across all months, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautionary measures. This includes wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. Regular monitoring of UV levels can aid in planning outdoor activities safely throughout the year.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Punta Arena, Peru

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Punta Arena 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.

Punta Arena'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
Punta Arena	14	15	16	15	13	11	11	12	14	14	14	13
Arequipa UVI	18	17	17	15	12	10	11	13	15	17	18	17