Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Cruz, Peru is crucial for ensuring your health and well-being under the sun. With the region's tropical climate, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can reach a staggering 12. Knowing these levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns but also for safeguarding your long-term skin health. As UV rays can lead to serious skin conditions, being aware of the UV Index helps you make informed decisions on sun safety, such as applying sunscreen or seeking shade during the high-risk periods between 10 AM and 4 PM. Keep an eye on the daily UV levels to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic range of solar intensity, peaking at 12 around noon. Starting the day gently, the index registers a low 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches 5 by 9:00 AM, then surges to a robust 11 by 11:00 AM, signaling higher caution for outdoor activities. The peak at midday is a daunting 12, urging everyone to seek shade and wear protective gear. The intensity begins to taper off in the afternoon, dropping back to 8 at 2:00 PM and further to 5 by 3:00 PM. By the late afternoon, the index drops significantly to 1 at 5:00 PM and settles at 0 by 6:00 PM, giving a gentle reminder that the sun's might can vary dramatically throughout the day.
| 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 | 8 | 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 exhibits extreme levels, particularly from January to April, where values consistently reach 17, indicating a high risk for skin damage from sun exposure in just 10 minutes. Even during the warmer months, such as May to August, the UV Index remains significant, ranging from 12 to 14, suggesting that sun safety measures should still be prioritized. The risk persists into the fall and winter months, with October having a UV Index of 16 and November and December around 15 and 14, respectively. Residents and visitors are advised to protect themselves by using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during midday hours, particularly from January to April, when the highest UV exposure occurs. Prioritizing skin protection year-round is essential in this area due to consistently extreme UV levels.
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 |
| Santa Cruz | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 |
| Arequipa UVI | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 |