Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Porto Alegre, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and reducing long-term skin damage, especially in a city where the Cfa climate brings warm summers and significant sun exposure. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 5 around midday, residents and visitors alike should take necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding their skin. Stay informed and make UV Index awareness a part of your daily routine!
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic daily cycle of sun exposure. Starting low at 07:00, with a reading of 0, the intensity gradually increases as the day progresses. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate level of 3, peaking at 12:00 and 13:00 with a high of 5. This is the perfect time for sunbathing or outdoor activities, but remember to apply sunscreen! The UV Index then begins to taper off, dropping to 4 by 14:00, and descending further to 1 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the levels fall back to 0 by 18:00 and remain there until 19:00. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes show extreme levels from January to March, with a UV Index peaking at 14 during these months and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring progresses, April sees a decrease to a UV Index of 9, indicating a very high exposure category, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. By May, the UV Index drops to 6 (high), where residents can spend up to 25 minutes in the sun without burning. The summer months of June and July bring about a moderate UV Index of 4 and 5 respectively, allowing for 30 minutes of sun exposure before a burn occurs. However, from August to October, a rise to high and extreme levels returns, urging caution with burn times shrinking back down to 15-10 minutes in September and October. November and December again reflect extreme conditions, with Ultraviolet exposure remaining a concern. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to employ sun protection measures—such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing—especially during the high-risk winter and early spring months, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porto Alegre | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 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 |