Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Lucia, Peru, especially given its unique climate and high elevation. The UV levels can soar significantly, peaking at an intense 11 around midday, which poses serious risks for sunburn and long-term skin health. By staying informed about these UV levels, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin—after all, prevention is far easier than treatment. With Santa Lucia's climate characterized as ET (Tropical Highland), it's essential to be aware of the sun's powerful rays, particularly from 9 AM to 3 PM when exposure risks are at their highest. Stay vigilant to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index climbs steadily, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 3, marking the beginning of increased sun exposure. The day continues to heat up, with the index peaking at a remarkable 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon sets in, it gradually declines, dropping to 6 by 2:00 PM and subsequently to 3 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins to descend, the index returns to a safer 1 by 4:00 PM and tapers off to 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly trend underscores the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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, UV Index levels show significant seasonal variation, consistently remaining in the extreme exposure category. Notably, the highest UV Index occurs from January to April, ranging from 19 to 20, indicating that these months are high-risk periods for skin damage with a minimum burn time of just 10 minutes. May through August sees slightly lower indices, from 11 to 14, but still categorizes as extreme, maintaining the 10-minute burn time. The sun intensity rises again in September, peaking at 16, and remains high through November and December at 19. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take strict sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, to mitigate the risk of skin damage during these high-risk months.
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 |
| Santa Lucia | 19 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 19 |