Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Barra Velha, Brazil, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health against the sun's harmful rays. With the region's humid subtropical climate (Cfa), residents and visitors alike face varying UV levels, particularly peaking around midday where they can reach up to 5. Being informed about these UV levels helps you take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin conditions such as premature aging and skin cancer. Recognizing the importance of UV awareness in Barra Velha allows you to enjoy the beautiful beaches while keeping your skin safe!
Starting your day early has its perks, as the UV Index remains quite low—hovering between 1 and 2 from 07:00 to 09:00. However, as the sun rises higher, expect a noticeable increase in UV exposure. By 11:00, the index peaks at a robust 5, indicating a need for protection, especially around midday when it stays elevated at 5 until 13:00. Post-noon, the index begins to taper off, dropping back to 4 by 14:00 and down to 1 as evening approaches from 16:00 onward, where it finally settles at 0 by 18:00. To enjoy your day safely, consider applying sunscreen during the 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 | 5 | 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 experiences notable fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest levels recorded during the winter months and a gradual decrease into the summer. January, February, and March consistently display extreme UV levels, peaking at 15, which indicates an urgent need for protective measures—10 minutes of sun exposure can result in burns. As April arrives, the UV Index drops slightly to 10 but remains within the very high category, allowing for a 15-minute burn time. The summer months of June and July see a moderate UV Index of 5, offering more leeway with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as August and September return to very high levels, with indices of 8 and 10, the risk of sun damage reemerges, demanding attention to sun protection in just 15 minutes. This trend continues into October and November, where UV readings climb back to extreme levels. Residents and visitors alike should take care during January to March and October to November, as these months are particularly high-risk for UV exposure. It's advisable to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours to mitigate potential harm from the sun's rays.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barra Velha | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 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 |