Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Petrolina, Brazil is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. As the sun shines brightly in this BSh climate zone, UV levels can soar dramatically throughout the day, reaching a peak of 10 between noon and 1 PM. Being aware of these fluctuating levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With Petrolina's typical exposure risks, particularly during the hot months, staying informed about the UV Index can empower you to enjoy the beautiful sun safely, allowing you to make the most of outdoor activities while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index shows a dynamic pattern throughout the day, peaking sharply around midday. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the UV exposure begins to rise, hitting 3 by 08:00. The real intensity kicks in at 09:00, where it reaches 6, and then surges to a striking 8 by 10:00. The index escalates further, reaching its pinnacle at 10 from 11:00 to 12:00. As the afternoon progresses, there's a gradual decline, dropping to 9 at 13:00 and tapering off to 6 by 14:00. By 15:00, the UV Index falls to 3, and it continues its descent, dropping back down to 1 by 16:00 and beyond. As the day winds down, the levels decrease significantly, reaching 0 after 18:00, indicating a safe period for outdoor activities without considerable sun exposure. 🌞
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, peaking dramatically during the summer months. January to April sees an extreme exposure category with a consistently high UV Index ranging from 14 to 15, leading to a burn time of just 10 minutes. This pattern persists into the late fall and winter months, as November and December also maintain a high index. Conversely, June to August presents a slightly lower but still extreme risk, with a maximum of 12 and a burn time of 10-15 minutes. The sun's intensity gradually decreases as autumn approaches, but high-risk months include January to April and November. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take necessary precautions during these times by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure to avoid skin damage.
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 |
| Petrolina | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 |