Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Serra Branca, Brazil, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. With the region's warm Aw climate, residents and visitors alike face significant risks of sunburn, skin aging, and even skin cancer due to elevated UV levels, especially during peak hours. Understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels—from a mild index of 1 early in the morning to a high of 11 around noon—can empower you to take necessary precautions. So whether you're lounging outdoors or engaged in activities, staying informed about the UV Index is key to maintaining your skin health and enjoying the beautiful sun-soaked days in Serra Branca safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index climbs steadily, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 3, marking the beginning of increased sun exposure. The day continues to heat up, with the index peaking at a remarkable 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon sets in, it gradually declines, dropping to 6 by 2:00 PM and subsequently to 3 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins to descend, the index returns to a safer 1 by 4:00 PM and tapers off to 0 after 6:00 PM. This hourly trend underscores the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, with values peaking at 15 in March and hovering around 14 in several months including January, February, April, September, November, and December. This indicates an extreme exposure category for all months, meaning that individuals have a mere 10-minute burn time before risking skin damage. March emerges as a particularly high-risk month for UV exposure, while January, February, April, and September are also critical months to monitor. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures year-round, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize harmful effects from UV radiation.
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 |
| Serra Branca | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 |