Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, where the sun's rays can be intense, particularly during the midday hours. Observing UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin health issues, making awareness essential for outdoor activities. With a Cwa climate, Belo Horizonte experiences high UV exposure, especially from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the UV Index peaks at 8. By staying informed about UV risks, you can enjoy the city’s vibrant outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts at a modest 1, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun rises, it climbs steadily, reaching a notable 4 by 09:00. The peak intensity occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, where it holds strong at 8, signifying a heightened risk for sunburn. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines to 6 by 14:00, before swiftly dropping to 3 by 15:00. By the evening, the UV Index decreases further to 1 at 16:00 and falls to 0 by 19:00, showcasing a day where sun protection was crucial during the midday hours. Remember to stay safe and protect your skin when UV levels are at their highest!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
The UV index data indicates significant seasonal changes, with extreme exposure occurring from January to April, where the UV Index remains at 17 to 12 and has a burn time of just 10 minutes. The months of February and March rank as high-risk due to their near-peak UV readings. As the year progresses into May and June, the UV index decreases but still poses risks, transitioning to a very high category, allowing for a slightly more extended burn time of 15 to 25 minutes. However, July and August return to very high levels despite a brief drop in June. As the summer ends and September through December roll in, residents and visitors should remain vigilant, as the index shifts back to extreme in both September and November, with consistent burn times of 10 minutes. It's crucial for everyone to take necessary precautions during these high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours.
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 | 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 |