Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Petrolina, Brazil, where the sun shines brightly throughout most of the year, thanks to its BSh climate. As the UV levels can soar to a maximum of 11 during midday, awareness of these readings is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. With midday UV exposure posing significant risks, it's essential to recognize when to seek shade or apply sunscreen, ensuring that your time in the sun remains both enjoyable and safe. Stay informed about the UV Index to protect yourself and loved ones from harmful rays!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at a whopping 11 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning starts off gently with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM, slowly increasing to 3 by 8:00 AM, and reaching 5 at 9:00 AM. However, by 10:00 AM, caution is advised as the index soars to 8. The afternoon sees values take a plunge after the peak, dropping to 9 at 1:00 PM, and falling further to 6 by 2:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index gently recedes, dipping to 1 at 5:00 PM and finally disappearing by 6:00 PM. For outdoor activities, it’s crucial to take precautions between 10 AM and 2 PM to ensure safety from harmful UV rays!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 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 |