Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Campina Grande, Brazil, where the sun can be relentless. With a climate that often brings high UV exposure, awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The UV Index can soar, peaking at 11 during midday—a level that necessitates immediate action to minimize risks. By keeping an eye on these values, you can enjoy the beautiful Brazilian sun safely while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises and begins to assert its strength, the UV Index increases rapidly throughout the morning. At 7:00 AM, it starts at a modest 2, but by 9:00 AM, it leaps to a notable 7. The peak intensity hits high noon, with 11 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a critical time for sun safety. After that, the index begins to drop, falling to 6 by 2:00 PM and further declining toward the evening, finally reaching 0 by 7:00 PM. This data starkly illustrates the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its most dangerous.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, extreme UV levels are consistently high, particularly from January to March and November, where the UV Index frequently reaches 14 to 15. The high-risk months for sun exposure are thus identified as January, February, March, September, October, and November. During these months, unprotected exposure can lead to sunburn in just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take necessary precautions by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate clouds, so vigilance is key year-round.
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 |
| Campina Grande | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 |