Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Rio Novo, Brazil, understanding the UV Index is crucial for both residents and visitors, as it directly impacts skin health and sunburn prevention. With the region's Cwa climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, knowing the daily UV levels helps you make informed choices about sun exposure. Between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can reach a peak of 8, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of these UV levels empowers you to protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful Brazilian sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, but it's not until 09:00 that it hits 3, signaling a clearer sky. The index takes a notable leap at 10:00, reaching a brisk 5, and peaks at 12:00 with a striking 8—the ideal time to seek shade or apply sunscreen! As the afternoon wears on, the index falls back to 7 at 13:00, and then gradually drops to 5 by 14:00. As the sun starts to set, there's a further decline, leaving the evening with a relaxed 1 at 16:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This detailed hour-by-hour progression highlights the importance of sun safety during the peak hours of the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 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, UV Index levels show significant fluctuations, with extreme levels dominating the winter months through early spring. From January to April, the UV Index consistently ranges from 11 to 17, categorizing exposure as extreme, meaning individuals can experience sunburn in as little as 10 minutes. This pattern of elevated UV levels continues with a brief decline in May through June, where the index falls to 8, moving into a very high exposure category with burn times increasing to 15 and 25 minutes respectively. However, July and August see a return to very high levels, again with a burn time of 15 minutes. As summer transitions into fall, the index rises again in September and remains high into November, marking these months as particularly risky. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant about sun protection during these high-risk months, particularly when UV Index levels soar, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly.
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 |
| Rio Novo | 17 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| 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 |