Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sao Gabriel, Brazil, where the combination of its Cfa climate and elevated UV levels during midday can pose significant risks to skin health. Being aware of the UV Index helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you enjoy the sunny days safely. With peak UV levels reaching up to 5 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, it's vital to take protective measures. Understanding these daily fluctuations empowers you to make informed decisions about outdoor activities, shielding yourself from harmful effects while fully enjoying the beautiful Brazilian outdoors.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at 0 at 07:00, offering a safe environment for morning activities. By 08:00 and 09:00, it creeps up to 1, indicating that while the sun is rising, precautions are still minimal. As the day progresses, the sun intensifies—hitting 2 by 10:00 and surging to 5 at both 12:00 and 13:00, the peak hours for UV exposure. It’s the perfect time to apply sunscreen and seek shade if needed. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 4 at 14:00 and gradually descending to 3 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls back to 1 at 17:00, and finally returns to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00, signaling the end of a day marked by fluctuating UV levels that necessitate careful planning for sun exposure.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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, peaking during the winter and late fall months. January, February, October, November, and December all reflect an extreme exposure category with UV Index values reaching 14 to 15 and a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. March adds to this high-risk period with an index of 12. The spring month of April drops slightly to a very high exposure category with an index of 9 and a burn time of 15 minutes, while May sees a reduction to high (index of 6) and a longer burn time of 25 minutes. In the summer, the UV risk lowers somewhat, with June and July categorized as moderate (UV Index 4-5 and burn times of 30 minutes), but returns to high in August with an index of 7. September bounces back to very high at 9. It's essential for both visitors and residents to be aware that the highest risk months for UV exposure are from January to March and October to December. Protection against UV radiation, including using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, is highly recommended during these times to reduce the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sao Gabriel | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| 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 |