Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Puno, Peru, understanding the UV Index is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburns, especially given the region's high-altitude climate and intense sun exposure. With UV levels peaking dramatically, reaching a maximum of 11 around noon, it’s crucial to stay informed about daily UV risks to protect yourself during sun-soaked hours. Sun safety isn't just about avoiding discomfort; it’s about safeguarding long-term skin health in a city where the sun’s rays are often at their most potent. Keep an eye on those UV readings to enjoy Puno's beauty while staying sun smart!
Starting off the day, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00, ideal for morning strolls. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity picks up, reaching 3 by 08:00 and surging to a notable 6 by 09:00. The peak occurs around 12:00 when the UV Index hits a strong 11, signaling the need for sun protection. After midday, the index gradually declines, falling to 9 by 13:00, then dipping to 6 at 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, levels continue to drop, hitting 3 at 15:00, before dropping back to 1 by 16:00 and finally settling to 0 after 18:00. This pattern highlights the importance of sun safety during the peak hours from 11:00 to 13:00.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 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, the UV Index remains extremely high, particularly from January to November, with values consistently around 19 to 18, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. March sees a slight dip at 18, while June and July reduce slightly to 11 and 12, respectively, but still warranted caution. May and August present minor variations, with indices of 13 and 14. As we transition to September, the UV Index returns to 16, and November marks a peak at 19 again. Given these conditions, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves from sun exposure during these high-risk months. This includes wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade whenever possible, particularly during the midday hours. Remember, a burn time of just 10 minutes underscores the urgency of sun safety in this region year-round.
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 |
| Arequipa UVI | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 |
| Puno | 19 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 18 |