Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Cruz, Peru, is vital for protecting your skin and overall health. As this coastal town enjoys its warm, tropical climate, UV levels can soar, especially around midday. With values peaking at 12 between noon and 1 PM, it’s crucial to be aware of these levels to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about local UV exposure risks, you can enjoy the beautiful Santa Cruz beaches while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays. Remember, knowledge is your best defense against the sun!
The UV Index (UVI) data reveals a clear pattern of increasing intensity as the day progresses. Starting from a low of 1 at 07:00, the UVI climbs steadily to reach its peak at 12 during noon (12:00), indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity begins to wane after its midday high; by 15:00, it drops to 5, and it cools down to a mere 1 by 17:00. As the evening approaches, the UVI declines further, eventually hitting 0 by 18:00, signaling a safe time to enjoy outdoor activities without concern for UV radiation. Overall, plan your sun exposure wisely, especially between 10:00 and 14:00, when the sun's rays are at their most potent!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |