Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Cruz, Brazil, being aware of the UV Index is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing painful sunburns. With the region’s BSh climate, residents and visitors alike are often exposed to varying levels of UV radiation throughout the day, reaching a peak of 11 around midday. Understanding these UV levels is crucial, as the risk of skin damage increases significantly with higher ratings. As you plan your outdoor activities, keeping an eye on the UV Index can help you protect your skin and enjoy the sun safely.
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 |
The UV Index remains notably high throughout the year, with extreme levels recorded from January to May, peaking at 15. This trend continues with high readings of 11 to 14 from June through November, maintaining an exposure category of extreme and a uniform burn time of just 10 minutes across all months. High-risk months for UV exposure are primarily from January to May; however, vigilance is warranted year-round, particularly in September and November when the index is also elevated. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize skin damage and health risks associated with high UV levels.
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 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 |