Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Barro Alto, Brazil, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's tropical climate. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take precautions against harmful UV radiation, which can lead to long-term skin damage. With typical UV exposure peaking around noon at a striking 10, the risk of overexposure is significant during the sunniest hours. Staying informed about the UV Index not only fosters better sun safety practices but also enhances overall well-being in this vibrant locale.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a clear progression, peaking at 12:00 PM with an impressive 10, signifying a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The day begins with low levels, starting at 1 early in the morning at 07:00 AM, gradually rising to 3 by 09:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, values soar, hitting 9 by 11:00 AM and dropping slightly to 7 at 02:00 PM, before tapering off in the afternoon. By 04:00 PM, the index declines to 2, and by the evening, it returns to a safe 0 by 06:00 PM. It's crucial to remain vigilant during the peak hours between 11:00 AM and 01:00 PM to protect your skin from potentially harmful UV rays.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies significantly, indicating a notable pattern in sun exposure risks. From January through April, the UV Index remains exceptionally high, peaking at 16 in January and December and consistently falling within the extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk continues into August and September, where the index returns to similar extreme levels, notably at 13 in September. June and July see a slight reduction to a very high exposure category, with a burn time lengthening to 15 minutes but still demanding caution. May serves as a transitional month with an index of 11, indicating high risk but less severe than preceding months. As summer gives way to autumn and winter, the high-risk months for sun exposure remain predominantly in the winter through early spring and late summer into early fall. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures during these peak months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
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 |
| Barro Alto | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 |