Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Santiago, Brazil, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. Understanding the UV levels can help you effectively prevent sunburn and promote overall skin health, especially in a climate characterized by sunny and humid subtropical conditions (Cfa). With peak UV Index values reaching 5 around midday, it’s essential to take precautions on sunny days to minimize your risk of skin damage. So, whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities or simply relaxing in the sun, being informed about UV exposure can make all the difference in preserving your skin’s wellbeing.
The UV Index for today paints a story of a steadily rising sun, reaching its peak in the early afternoon. Starting at 0 at 7 AM, the index climbs cautiously to 1 by 8 AM and remains at this level until 10 AM. As the day progresses, the UV intensity spikes to 4 by 11 AM and reaches its maximum of 5 at both 12 PM and 1 PM, urging sunseekers to apply that sunscreen! The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the UV Index dipping back to 4 at 2 PM, then 3 at 3 PM, falling further to 2 by 4 PM. As evening approaches, the UV levels drop to 1 by 5 PM, finally settling back to 0 as the sun sets. Stay sun-safe 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with extreme levels recorded from January to March and again in October to December. These high-risk months indicate a UV Index of 14-15, where the burn time is as little as 10 minutes. In April, the index drops to 9, categorized as very high, allowing for a bit more sun exposure at 15 minutes before risking sunburn. As we move into late spring and summer, the UV levels decrease slightly, with May seeing a high index of 6 and a burn time of 25 minutes. June and July present moderate levels of UV exposure, while August climbs back to a high of 7. Notably, September spikes again to 10, emphasizing the need for vigilance. To ensure safety, visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these high-risk months by utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to reduce sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 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 |