Last updated: May 3, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Riachão das Neves, Brazil, where the tropical climate often leads to elevated UV exposure. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining skin health over time. With maximum UV Index readings soaring to 11 during midday, it’s essential to take precautions to safeguard against harmful effects. This community experiences considerable sunlight throughout the year, making it particularly important to stay informed about UV risks as you enjoy outdoor activities in this vibrant region.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. At 7:00 AM, it's a gentle 1, gradually rising to a moderate 2 by 8:00 AM. As the morning progresses, the index makes a substantial jump to 5 at 9:00 AM, peaking at an intense 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM—a time when sun protection becomes essential. The heat starts to taper slightly by 1:00 PM with a reading of 10, falling to 7 by 2:00 PM. By late afternoon, the coverage dwindles, dropping to 4 at 3:00 PM and lingering at 2 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index dwindles further to 1 at 5:00 PM and finally fades to 0 by 6:00 PM. Protect your skin when the sun is strong, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences extreme levels throughout most of the year, with January to April consistently showing values between 14 and 16. May marks a slight decline to an index of 12 before tapering to very high levels of 10-12 from June to August. Following a brief peak in September, the UV Index returns to extreme levels for the remaining months. High-risk months are January through April, and notably, July to October maintains high exposure categories. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, ensuring to use adequate sun protection—such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses—and limit exposure times to avoid serious sunburn, especially with a burn time as quick as 10 to 15 minutes under high UV conditions.
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 |
| 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 |
| Riachao das Neves | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |