Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ibiracu, Brazil, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV Index serves as a vital indicator of the sun's intensity, helping residents and visitors alike make informed choices about sun exposure throughout the day. With a tropical climate that often sees elevated UV levels, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when readings can peak at 9, understanding these levels empowers you to protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. Being mindful of UV exposure will not only help you avoid painful burns but also support long-term skin health in this sun-kissed region.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index reaches its peak during midday, showcasing a striking pattern in the hourly data. Starting at a modest 1 by 07:00, it gradually escalates, hitting 2 by 08:00. The intensity continues to rise, peaking at a formidable 9 by both 11:00 and 12:00—a clear invitation to slather on the sunscreen! As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 at 13:00, and gently tapering off to 3 by 15:00. By late afternoon and into the evening, the UV threat recedes, plummeting to 1 at 16:00, and finally fading into 0 from 18:00 onward. This hourly journey underscores the importance of sun safety at its zenith!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 reveals significant seasonal variations, particularly peaking in the winter and late fall months. From January to November, the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels, often hitting 15, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes in these high-risk months. March and April see slightly lower values (UV index of 14 and 12, respectively), yet still remain in the extreme range. As we transition into May and June, the UV Index drops slightly to levels categorized as very high and high, allowing for somewhat increased burn times. However, July and August shift back to very high ratings, reinforcing the need for vigilance. In September and October, the UV Index once again peaks at extreme levels, with a return to the 10-minute burn time typical of the winter months. November maintains this extreme categorization, rounding out the year with similar risks. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions by wearing protective clothing, using high-SPF sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours, particularly from November to April when the risks are at their highest.
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 |
| Ibiracu | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 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 |