Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Imbituba, Brazil, where the combination of a Cfa climate and exposure to intense sunlight can pose significant risks to skin health. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly during peak hours when the index reaches as high as 5 around midday. With typical UV exposure risks peaking from 10 AM to 2 PM, staying informed can empower you to take necessary precautions, ensuring enjoyable days under the sun while safeguarding your skin’s health.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a distinct pattern, with the intensity peaking at 12:00 PM when it reaches a noteworthy level of 5. Morning hours start off mild, with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, gradually escalating to 2 by 09:00, then climbing to 4 at 11:00. Post-noon, the index slightly decreases, falling to 4 again at 13:00, before tapering off to 2 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the levels drop significantly, plunging to 0 by 19:00. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | 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 tends to peak in the winter months of January, February, and March, with an extreme UV Index reaching as high as 15 and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into April, the index drops slightly to 10 but remains in the very high category, demanding care in sun exposure—burn time increases to 15 minutes. The intensity continues to decrease through May and June, where the UV Index falls to 7 and 5, respectively, making these months high to moderate risk for sunburns, with times to burn of 25 to 30 minutes. August shifts back to a high category, while September sees a resurgence of very high UV levels. Late fall and winter months, particularly October through December, re-enter the extreme exposure zone with UV Index values of 12 and 14, emphasizing the need for protective measures. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to stay vigilant during the high-risk months of January, February, March, October, November, and December, ensuring proper sunscreen application and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imbituba | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 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 |