Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Monte Azul, Brazil, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 9 around midday, understanding the UV risks is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining optimal skin health. The region's warm climate and tropical conditions can lead to intense sun exposure, amplifying the need for vigilance against harmful UV rays. By staying informed of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself from potential damage.
The UV Index rises and falls dramatically throughout the day, showcasing how the sun's intensity varies with time. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to reach a peak of 9 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to dip — descending to 5 by 2:00 PM and tapering off to a safe 1 by 4:00 PM. Finally, the sun sets with the UV levels dropping to 0 after 6:00 PM, indicating it’s safe to enjoy the evening outdoors without worry. Stay vigilant during those midday hours to protect your skin!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 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 |
| Monte Azul | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 |