Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Foz do Iguaçu is crucial for everyone who enjoys the region's beautiful landscapes and attractions. With intense sunlight prevalent in this Cfa climate zone, knowing the daily UV levels helps protect your skin from harmful rays and prevent painful sunburns. Between 10 AM and 2 PM, UV Index levels can reach as high as 6, highlighting the need for proper sun safety measures. By staying informed, you can enjoy the stunning waterfalls and lush surroundings while safeguarding your skin health against excessive UV exposure.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at 0 at 07:00, signaling a safe time to step outside. As the sun rises, it gradually increases, reaching a moderate level of 2 by 09:00. The intensity peaks between 12:00 and 13:00, registering a high of 6, indicating that sun protection is essential during these hours. By 14:00, the index begins to decline, dropping to 5 before settling into a more manageable 4 by 15:00. A gentle decrease continues through the late afternoon, with levels falling back to 1 at 17:00, and finally back to 0 by 18:00. This data suggests that the most intense sun exposure occurs during midday, urging sun safety for outdoor activities during these hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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, UV exposure levels significantly fluctuate, with January to April marking the highest risk months. The UV Index peaks at 15 in January, February, and November, categorizing these months within the extreme exposure category, where a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. Even in March and October, the UV Index remains dangerously high at 13 and 14, respectively. April experiences a slight decrease to a very high exposure level (UV Index 10), but May dips further to a high category (UV Index 7) with a burn time of 25 minutes. As summer arrives, June sees a moderate index of 5, gradually increasing to high levels again in July and August. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, while limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foz do Iguacu | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 14 |
| 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 |