Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Maria, Brazil, where the climate offers warm, sunny days typical of the Cfa zone. With UV levels peaking at 5 around midday, awareness of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. High exposure during peak hours can significantly increase the risk of skin damage, making it vital for locals to stay informed about UV fluctuations throughout the day. Whether you’re enjoying the outdoors or just commuting, knowing the UV Index can help you protect your skin and fully enjoy Santa Maria’s beautiful climate.
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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 reveals significant seasonal variations in sun exposure, with the highest risk months occurring from January to March and November to December, where the index consistently falls within the extreme category (UV Index 14-15) and a mere 10 minutes of unprotected skin exposure can lead to burns. In contrast, April marks a transition to very high exposure (UV Index 9), allowing for 15 minutes before sunburn sets in, while May through July see a slight decrease in UV intensity, with May being high (UV Index 6) and a burn time of 25 minutes, and June and July maintaining moderate levels (UV Index 5, 30 minutes burnout). As summer fades into fall, August and September return to high and very high risk (UV Index 7-9, 15-25 minutes), suggesting that careful sun protection is vital, especially during these months. It's essential for both residents and visitors to remain vigilant about sun safety, particularly in high-risk months when exposure can quickly lead to skin damage. Regular application of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade can significantly mitigate the risks associated with harmful UV rays.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 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 |