Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Alto Mayo, Peru, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's temperate climate, residents and visitors alike are exposed to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. During peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 1 PM, the UV Index can reach alarming levels of 11 to 12, signifying extreme risk. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful effects, ensuring enjoyable outdoor experiences while safeguarding your skin.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts off gently at 1, making it a great time for morning walkers. By 08:00, it rises to 2, still manageable for outdoor activities. The real intensity kicks in at 09:00, where the UV Index jumps to 5, signaling a need for increased sun protection. 10:00 marks the beginning of peak sun exposure with a UV Index of 8, reaching a dramatic high of 11 at 11:00. As the sun inches towards its zenith, it peaks at 12:00 with a maximum index of 12—a strong reminder to be cautious! The afternoon sees a slight decrease, with 11 at 13:00, followed by a dip to 9 at 14:00. The intensity of the sun gradually fades, dropping to 5 by 15:00, and tapering off to 2 at 16:00. By 17:00, it’s down to 1, and finally, the UV Index relaxes into the evening, hitting 0 by 18:00 and remaining there through 19:00. Remember, the hours around midday are the most potent for UV rays, so prioritize sun safety during those peak times!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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 remains consistently extreme, with the highest values recorded from March to April (UV Index 18) and February (UV Index 17). These high-risk months are critical for visitors and residents alike, as the burn time across all months is just 10 minutes under these conditions. Therefore, it is imperative to take protective measures year-round, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, as well as seeking shade whenever possible. Awareness and caution are essential to safeguard against the harmful effects of UV radiation, particularly in the spring months when the intensity peaks.
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 |
| Alto Mayo | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 |