UV Index in Recife, Brazil

Last updated: August 1, 2025

In Recife, Brazil, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Given the city’s tropical climate, the ultraviolet radiation levels can soar, especially during midday hours, where values can reach a maximum of 11. With such intense exposure, knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV rays is essential to enjoy Recife’s beautiful beaches safely. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take the right precautions to safeguard your skin while soaking up the sunshine in this vibrant coastal city.

Hourly UV Index in Recife

The UV Index fluctuated throughout the day, beginning at a mild 2 by 07:00 and gradually escalating to a peak of 11 at 11:00. This marked the day’s prime time for sun exposure, urging caution for those outdoors. As the afternoon progressed, the index began to decline, showing a 10 at 12:00, before gradually tapering off to 3 by 15:00, and dropping to 1 at both 16:00 and 17:00. By the evening, the sun's intensity faded completely, registering 0 by 18:00 and persisting through to 19:00. It was a day characterized by a significant midday sun, reminding everyone to take protective measures when the UV levels peaked.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	2	low	45 min
08:00	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	8	very high	15 min
10:00	11	extreme	10 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Recife

Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, ranging from 11 to 14, indicating an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes across all months. The months of January through March, as well as November and December, consistently show a UV Index of 14, posing significant risk for skin damage. April and September also present high levels of UV exposure at 14 and 13 respectively. As such, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to exercise caution during these high-risk months. Protective measures should include wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, seeking shade during peak hours, and donning protective clothing to mitigate the risk of harmful skin exposure year-round.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Recife, Brazil

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Recife. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Recife, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Recife UV Index with Other Brazil Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Recife compares to other major locations across Brazil. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Recife's solar exposure compared to other cities in Brazil. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Recife	14	14	14	14	12	11	11	12	13	13	14	14
Fortaleza UVI	14	14	15	15	13	11	11	12	13	13	13	13