Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Usicayos, Peru, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only plays a key role in preventing painful sunburns but also helps avert long-term skin damage. Located in a high-altitude climate zone (ET), Usicayos experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during midday when levels peak at an extreme 12. With the sun's intensity on the rise from 09:00 to 13:00, it's essential to stay informed and take appropriate sun safety measures to enjoy the beautiful outdoors without compromising your skin's health.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic sun intensity pattern that peaks at 12 between 11:00 and 12:00, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. Early risers are greeted with a mild 1 at 07:00, gradually increasing to 3 by 08:00. By 09:00, it surges to 6, suggesting that sun protection is becoming increasingly important. The intensity remains elevated at 9 by 10:00 and holds steady at 12 during the late morning hours. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index starts to dip, falling to 11 at 13:00 and then declining to 8 by 14:00. Late afternoon sees a significant drop, with values dropping to 4 at 15:00, and tapering off to 2 by 16:00. Finally, the UV Index returns to a safe 1 at 17:00, before falling to 0 as the sun sets, emphasizing the importance of being sun-smart during peak hours.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | 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 consistently remains high, showcasing extreme levels of UV radiation from January to December. The months with the highest UV readings—January, February, March, and November—each record a UV index of 20. All months experience a burn time of just 10 minutes, signaling an urgent need for protective measures. Notably, while UV levels begin to decline slightly in June and are consistently high through the summer into October, visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution year-round. During these extreme conditions, it's crucial to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses to minimize the risk of skin damage. Staying in the shade during peak hours will also help safeguard against harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Usicayos | 20 | 19 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 20 |