Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Nova Viçosa, Brazil, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for reducing the risk of long-term skin damage and conditions like skin cancer. The tropical Af climate of Nova Viçosa exposes residents and visitors to varying UV levels throughout the day, with peak values reaching as high as 8 around noon. This makes it vital to stay informed about UV levels and take appropriate precautions during sun exposure, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience under the Brazilian sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, but the real surge occurs around 9:00 AM, peaking at a notable 4. At 10:00 AM, the index climbs to 6, indicating moderate UV exposure, and by 11:00 AM, it reaches a maximum of 8, urging sun safety precautions. The index gradually declines in the afternoon, dipping to 7 at 12:00 PM and then tapering to 6 by 1:00 PM. As the day progresses, the UV levels drop significantly, settling at 4 by 2:00 PM, and further diminishing to 2 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the index falls to 1 at both 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, finally receding to 0 by 6:00 PM and beyond, marking a day where protection was most vital during midday hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | 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 significant fluctuations, with the highest levels recorded during the winter months. January, February, and November stand out as high-risk months, each reaching a peak UV Index of 15, categorized as extreme, with a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes. Following closely, March and April also fall into the extreme category—albeit slightly lower, at 13 and 12 respectively. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant, especially from September to October, where the UV Index spikes again, reaching levels of 12 and 14. For safety, it's crucial to limit sun exposure and employ protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses during these high-risk months, particularly during midday when the sun's rays are at their strongest. Overall, maintaining awareness of UV levels is essential for skin protection throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Sao Paulo UVI | 16 | 15 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Nova Vicosa | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| Belo Horizonte UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Salvador UVI | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 14 |
| Fortaleza UVI | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |