Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz do Capibaribe, Brazil, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. With the region's tropical climate, awareness of UV levels plays a significant role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. During peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to as high as 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin and enjoy the sunny days safely.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking peak in intensity around midday. Beginning at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM, the index escalates progressively, reaching a notable 11 by 11:00 AM and remaining high until 12:00 PM. As the afternoon unfolds, the intensity gradually diminishes, diving to 6 by 2:00 PM, then tapering off further to a soft 3 by 3:00 PM. By 4:00 PM and beyond, UV exposure recedes, settling back to a low 1 by 5:00 PM, and disappearing entirely after 6:00 PM. This dramatic rise and fall underscore the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains extremely high, consistently at 15 or 14 from January to March and notably high in November and December. The highest risk months for UV exposure are from January to March, when the UV Index is consistently at its peak, but danger remains significant across all months, particularly with a burn time of only 10 minutes regardless of the month. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and staying in shaded areas during peak sunlight hours to minimize their risk of sunburn and skin damage. It’s crucial to remain vigilant all year round, as harmful UV radiation persists even in the cooler months.
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 |
| Santa Cruz do Capibaribe | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 |