Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Cruz do Capibaribe is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health under its bright Brazilian sun. With peak UV levels often reaching 11 during midday hours, awareness of these values becomes crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. The city's climate presents unique challenges, as tropical conditions lead to more significant UV exposure risks. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin's health.
As the sun rises and begins to assert its strength, the UV Index increases rapidly throughout the morning. At 7:00 AM, it starts at a modest 2, but by 9:00 AM, it leaps to a notable 7. The peak intensity hits high noon, with 11 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a critical time for sun safety. After that, the index begins to drop, falling to 6 by 2:00 PM and further declining toward the evening, finally reaching 0 by 7:00 PM. This data starkly illustrates the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its most dangerous.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | 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 |