UV Index in Santa Elena, Peru

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Santa Elena, Peru, is vital for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With a climate characterized by a Tropical Savanna (BWh), residents and visitors alike experience high UV levels, particularly at midday when the index peaks at 11. Awareness of UV levels is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health, especially as Santa Elena's sunny days are frequent. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful weather while safeguarding your skin from the risks of overexposure.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Elena

The UV Index for the day presents a clear picture of sun intensity, starting off gentle in the early hours. At 7:00 AM, it begins at a mild 1, increasing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs rapidly; by 10:00 AM, it reaches 7 and peaks at an intense 11 around 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. After this zenith, the levels gradually decline, dropping to 9 by 2:00 PM, 6 at 3:00 PM, and settling back to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM. The UV exposure diminishes further, reaching a low of 0 by 7:00 PM. Stay protected 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	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 Santa Elena

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 Santa Elena, Peru

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santa Elena 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.

Santa Elena'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
Santa Elena	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