Last updated: August 1, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index in Peru is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and reducing the long-term risks of skin damage. Peru's diverse climate can lead to intense UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index reaches as high as 10. This is particularly important for those enjoying outdoor activities under the bright sun, as ignoring these warnings can lead to serious consequences. Stay informed and protect yourself—your skin will thank you!
The UV Index starts off gentle in the early hours, peaking at 1 around 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun ascends, it gradually climbs to reach 2 by 09:00 and then surges to 4 by 10:00. A significant spike occurs around 11:00, peaking at 6, before reaching its zenith of 10 from 13:00 to 14:00—a crucial time for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to decline, tapering down to 7 at 16:00, then to 5 by 17:00. As the sun sets, it drops to 3 at 18:00, and finally sinks back to a safe 1 by 19:00, reminding us to be cautious in the midday sun while enjoying the warm daylight.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure include April through September, when the UV Index reaches very high levels of 9 or 10, significantly reducing the safe burn time to just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Conversely, the winter months of December and January present lower UV risks, with indices of 2 and 3, allowing for safer exposure times of 30 to 45 minutes. Overall, awareness of seasonal changes in UV levels is crucial for protecting skin health throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Peru | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |