Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Cruzeiro do Oeste, Brazil, where the Cfa climate brings warm summers and notable sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can reach as high as 8 around noon. With the sun's intensity rising significantly from late morning to early afternoon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make a substantial difference in your skin’s long-term health. Stay informed about the UV Index to enjoy the beautiful Brazilian sun safely!
The UV Index for the day exhibits a notable increase as the sun rises, peaking between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a maximum value of 8, indicating that sunscreen and protective measures are highly recommended. The morning starts off mild, with values of 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 9 AM. As the clock strikes 10 AM, the index rises to 4, marking the onset of higher UV exposure, which continues to escalate to 6 at 11 AM before hitting the peak. After 1 PM, the UV levels drop swiftly, falling to 6 at 2 PM, and declining further to 4 by 3 PM. The evening brings relief as the index dwindles to 2 at 4 PM, and finally settles at 1 by 5 PM, leading to a 0 rating at 6 PM and beyond. It's a day where staying sun-smart is vital around midday, but the evening promises a gentler UV presence.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | 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 experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels seen from January to April, where it consistently falls within the extreme exposure category (UV Index values of 15 to 13). May marks a slight decrease to a very high category (UV Index 8), leading into a relatively lower high category during June and July (UV Index 6 to 7), before rising again in August with another very high rating. As summer turns to fall, September sees a jump back to extreme levels, similar to the winter months of October, November, and December. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious and limit their sun exposure from November through April and in September, as these months highlight peaks in the extreme UV Index category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, and seek shade during these high-risk periods to ensure skin safety.
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 |
| Cruzeiro do Oeste | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 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 |