Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Puno, Peru, a city known for its stunning high-altitude landscapes and unique climate. With UV levels peaking at 12 during midday, awareness of these values is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. The high-altitude environment means that UV radiation is more intense, increasing the risk of skin damage and other health issues. As you explore Puno's beauty, being informed about the UV Index can help you enjoy the sun safely and protect your skin from harmful exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it noticeably increases to 3, signaling the need for some sun protection. The real intensity hits between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM when the index peaks at a striking 12, prompting everyone to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 10 at 1:00 PM, then tapering to 4 by 3:00 PM. The evening hours welcome a significant decrease, with the index falling to 1 by 4:00 PM and dropping to 0 by 6:00 PM, marking a safe end to sun exposure for the day. Always remember: knowing when to shield yourself from those harmful rays is key to enjoying your time outdoors!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |