Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Forquilhinha, Brazil, understanding the UV Index is essential for maintaining optimal skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's Cfa climate, which features warm summers that increase UV exposure. As UV levels peak between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, reaching a maximum of 5, residents and visitors must stay informed to protect themselves during these critical hours. By keeping an eye on the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely and minimize the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable outdoor experience in this vibrant locale.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 2, suggesting it's time to start thinking about sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, reaching a high of 5, at which point it's crucial to apply sunscreen and seek shade. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines to 4 by 2:00 PM and further down to 2 by 3:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the risk decreases significantly to 1, before tapering off to 0 after 6:00 PM, signaling a safe window for evening activities. Be mindful of the sun’s strength during the midday 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest levels occurring during the winter and early spring months. Notably, January, February, March, October, November, and December all present an extreme UV Index, often peaking at 15, which translates to a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. April sees a slight decrease to a 10 on the UV Index, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. As we transition to May and August, the UV Index drops to 6 and 7, categorized as high, with a burn time of 25 minutes. The summer months of June and July show a moderate UV Index of 5, enabling a safer burn time of 30 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents to remain vigilant during the high-risk months (January to March and October to November) by employing adequate sun protection measures—including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours—to minimize the risk of harmful effects from UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forquilhinha | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 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 |