Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Caratinga, Brazil, where the equatorial sun can pose significant risks to skin health. With UV levels peaking at an index of 8 around midday, awareness of these values is vital for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin protection. Caratinga's tropical climate means that exposure to harmful UV radiation is an everyday reality, particularly during the warmest hours of the day. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can make informed decisions to enjoy the sun safely and keep your skin healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity heats up quickly, reaching a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM, before hitting its peak of 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is the prime time for sun safety awareness! After noon, the UV Index gradually declines; by 3:00 PM, it recedes to 3, and as the day wanes, it drops significantly to 1 by 4:00 PM. By evening, UV levels have diminished, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM, offering a reprieve from the sun’s rays.
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 | 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 in the region shows significant seasonal variations, with extreme levels from January to April and notable spikes in September to November. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January to April and September to November, when the UV Index consistently reaches 15 to 16, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these periods, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade when outdoors, to mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. As summer approaches, while May sees a drop to 9 (very high), it remains essential to remain vigilant, especially in July and August, when the UV Index returns to 8 to 10 with 15-minute burn times.
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 |
Caratinga | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 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 |