Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for the residents of Crixás, Brazil, where the sun shines brightly thanks to its warm climate (Aw zone). With peak UV levels spiking to 10 around midday, awareness of these levels is crucial for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. The difference between enjoying the sun responsibly and risking harm lies in knowing when UV exposure is highest, particularly during the late morning and early afternoon. Stay informed and protect yourself and your loved ones from the potential risks associated with high UV index days.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts its day at a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM and remains low until 9:00 AM, when it climbs to 3. By 10:00 AM, the intensity ramps up to 6, reaching a peak of 10 at 12:00 PM—the highest point of the day, indicating very high UV exposure. Following this peak, the index gradually declines, dipping to 8 by 1:00 PM and settling at 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index further drops to 2 at 4:00 PM, and finally returns to low levels of 1 by 5:00 PM before slipping to 0 in the evening. For optimal sun safety, protecting your skin is essential, especially during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its strongest!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
| Crixas | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 |
| Fortaleza UVI | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |