Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Cristobal, Peru, is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With a climate characterized by mild temperatures and varied sun exposure, awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and promotes long-term skin health. The UV Index reaches its peak between 11 AM and 1 PM, hitting a maximum of 12, which denotes a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about daily UV trends, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to protect themselves, ensuring safe outdoor enjoyment while cherishing the beauty of this vibrant locale.
The UV Index for the day shows a dramatic shift as the sun climbs higher, reaching its peak at noon with a value of 12, indicating a very high level of UV radiation. The sun's intensity begins to ramp up sharply from 8:00 AM, where it starts at a mild 2, climbing to a notable 11 by 11:00 AM. By 1:00 PM, the UV Index remains steady at 12, reminding everyone to take necessary precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, with values dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM, and tapering off to 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the rating falls to a mere 0, signaling a safe return outdoors as daylight fades. Remember to shield yourself during those peak hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, with extreme levels recorded from January to April and again in September and October. The highest UV Index is noted in March at 17, indicating that visitors and residents should exercise caution during this month, along with February and April, which also show an index of 16. While the UV Index slightly decreases in May through July, it remains at 12-14, which is still significant for sun exposure. From August to December, the index fluctuates between 13-16, maintaining the extreme exposure category and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. It is crucial for everyone to stay informed and take protective measures against sun exposure, especially during high-risk months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| San Cristobal | 16 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 |
| Arequipa UVI | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 |