Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Palmas, Brazil, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, especially in a region characterized by a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), where the sun can be intense. With midday UV Index values soaring to 7, the risks of overexposure are significant. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make a world of difference in enjoying the sunny days of Palmas while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index highlights a dynamic shift in sun exposure throughout the day. Starting off at a modest level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity gradually increases, peaking at 7 from 12:00 to 13:00, indicating high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips to 5 at 14:00 before gracefully descending to 3 by 15:00. The day winds down with the UV Index returning to its initial levels at 1 by 17:00, and then falling to 0 after 18:00, marking a safe end to sun exposure. It's a clear reminder to plan sun protection strategies, especially during the peak hours when the index reaches its zenith!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant variations throughout the year, peaking during the winter and fall months. From January to April, the average UV Index remains at an extreme level of 15-13, requiring only 10 minutes of exposure before burning occurs. This pattern continues in September and October with a return to extreme levels, emphasizing that both November and December also pose a high risk. The transition to May through July sees a temporary decrease to high levels (7-6), allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times of 25 minutes. However, the UV exposure increases again in August to very high levels, necessitating a burn time of just 15 minutes. It is crucial for residents and visitors alike to take precautions during these high-risk months, particularly during the winter and fall when the UV Index remains consistently extreme. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade to safeguard your skin 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 |
| Palmas | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 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 |