Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Cantagalo, Brazil. With its Cfa climate, characterized by warm, humid summers and mild winters, the area experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for promoting long-term skin health. During peak hours, particularly around noon when the UV Index can soar to an alarming 8, it’s important to take proactive measures to protect your skin. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, but it's not until 09:00 that it hits 3, signaling a clearer sky. The index takes a notable leap at 10:00, reaching a brisk 5, and peaks at 12:00 with a striking 8—the ideal time to seek shade or apply sunscreen! As the afternoon wears on, the index falls back to 7 at 13:00, and then gradually drops to 5 by 14:00. As the sun starts to set, there's a further decline, leaving the evening with a relaxed 1 at 16:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This detailed hour-by-hour progression highlights the importance of sun safety during the peak hours of the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with extreme levels observed from January to April, where the index peaks at 16 in both January and December. These months, along with March (UV Index 13) and November (UV Index 14), represent high-risk periods for sun exposure, with a skin burn time as short as 10 minutes. In May, the UV Index drops to 8, categorized as very high, extending burn time to 15 minutes, while June sees a further decrease to a high level of 6 with a burn time of 25 minutes. However, the risk increases again in July and August, both categorized as very high, where burn times return to 15 minutes. To ensure safety, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures during these high-risk months, particularly between January and April and again in September and October, when the UV Index remains extreme. Utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours are essential practices for minimizing UV exposure throughout the year.
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 |
| Cantagalo | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| 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 |