Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Santa Cecilia, Brazil, where the unique Cfb climate presents varying levels of sun exposure. As the sun climbs throughout the day, the potential for UV radiation to cause sunburn and long-term skin damage increases significantly. With midday UV levels peaking at 6, awareness is key to protecting your skin while enjoying the outdoors. By knowing when to seek shade and applying sunscreen, you can better safeguard your health against this small but mighty sun threat. Whether you're soaking up the sun or simply enjoying nature in this picturesque locale, staying informed about the UV Index is essential to maintaining your skin health.
The UV Index for the day demonstrates a clear progression of sun intensity as the hours unfold. Starting at 07:00, the index remains low at 1, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. However, as we approach 10:00, it begins to tick upwards, peaking at 6 between 12:00 and 13:00—the optimal time for sunscreen application and shade seeking. From there, it gradually declines, dropping to 1 by 17:00 and finally reaching 0 after 18:00, when the sun begins to set. Stay vigilant and protect your skin 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index in our region exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk months occurring from January to April, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels between 15 and 13 and the burn time is merely 10 minutes. As we transition into May through July, the UV Index decreases slightly to 7 and 6, categorized as high, allowing for a longer burn time of 25 minutes. However, August experiences a spike again to 8, deemed very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. In September and October, the UV levels rise back to extremes at 11 and 13, leading into the winter months of November and December, which again reflect extreme UV levels of 15. Visitors and residents should take preventive measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses during the high-risk months, especially from January to April, and remain vigilant even in the late summer and early autumn, ensuring safe sun exposure throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Santa Cecilia | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 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 |