Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Maria, Brazil, is crucial for protecting your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, residents and visitors alike should be aware of the changing UV levels throughout the day. During peak hours, particularly from noon to 2 PM, the UV Index reaches levels that can pose significant risks, making it essential to take proactive measures for sun safety. By staying informed about the local UV Index, you can better enjoy the sunny days while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects!
The UV Index for the day demonstrates a clear progression of sun intensity as the hours unfold. Starting at 07:00, the index remains low at 1, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. However, as we approach 10:00, it begins to tick upwards, peaking at 6 between 12:00 and 13:00—the optimal time for sunscreen application and shade seeking. From there, it gradually declines, dropping to 1 by 17:00 and finally reaching 0 after 18:00, when the sun begins to set. Stay vigilant and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | 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 |
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 |