La Serena, Chile UV Index in May
The average UV index in La Serena, Chile in May is about 9.5 (Very High), peaking near 12 at midday on clear days. Fair skin (Type II) can burn in roughly 9 minutes without sunscreen. SPF 50+ sunscreen, protective clothing, hat and sunglasses. Minimise midday sun exposure.
What is the UV index in La Serena, Chile in May?
Average UV
9.5
Very High
Midday Peak
12
Clear-sky estimate
Fair Skin Burn Time
9 min
Type II, no sunscreen
How long can you stay in the sun in La Serena, Chile in May?
| Skin type | Time to first burn | With SPF 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | 6 min | up to 180 min |
| Type 2 | 9 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 3 | 16 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 4 | 25 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 5 | 38 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 6 | 57 min | up to 240 min |
Estimates based on La Serena, Chile's latitude and typical May sun angle. Cloud cover, altitude and reflection from water or sand can raise or lower the real UV. Check the live forecast before long days outside.
La Serena, Chile UV Index by Month
When is the UV index highest and lowest in La Serena, Chile?
Highest: January (about 12). Lowest: June (about 9).
| Month | Average UV | Midday peak | Level | Fair skin burn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| February | 11.9 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| March | 11.4 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| April | 10.5 | 12 | Very High | 9 min |
| May | 9.5 | 12 | Very High | 9 min |
| June | 9 | 12 | Very High | 10 min |
| July | 9.2 | 12 | Very High | 10 min |
| August | 10 | 12 | Very High | 9 min |
| September | 11 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| October | 11.7 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| November | 12 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| December | 12 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
Common questions about UV in La Serena, Chile in May
Do you need sunscreen in La Serena, Chile in May?
Yes. A UV index of 9.5 is Very High, so use SPF 30+ on exposed skin between 10am and 4pm and reapply every two hours.
Can you tan in La Serena, Chile in May?
Yes, UV of 9.5 is strong enough to tan. Fair skin can burn in about 9 minutes, so build exposure slowly and use sunscreen.
What time of day is UV strongest in La Serena, Chile?
UV peaks around solar noon, roughly 11am to 2pm local time, when it can reach about 12 in May. Mornings and late afternoons are safest.
Is May a good month to visit La Serena, Chile for the sun?
May averages UV 9.5, compared with a yearly high of 12 in January and a low of 9 in June. Darker skin (Type VI) can burn in about 57 minutes at this level.