Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Sao Joaquim, Brazil, where the climate presents unique exposure risks throughout the year. With varying UV levels peaking at mid-day—reaching as high as 6 around noon—being aware of these fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. Sao Joaquim's Cfb climate offers diverse weather conditions, yet the potential for harmful UV radiation remains, especially during the sunniest hours of the day. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from damage.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic shift in sun intensity, peaking around midday. Starting from a low of 0 at 7 AM, the index gradually climbs as the sun rises, reaching a moderate 6 at noon. From this point, it gently declines, dipping to 5 at 1 PM and easing to 3 by 3 PM. As the afternoon fades to evening, the UV levels drop to 1 by 5 PM, and ultimately return to 0 after 6 PM. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours, especially as UV levels peak, making it crucial to take precautions to safeguard your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 Index values fluctuate significantly, indicating varied exposure risks. January to April presents the highest danger, with UV Index values between 11 and 16, categorized as extreme and allowing for a burn time of just 10 minutes. May through July sees a slight decrease, with May at a high exposure risk (UV Index 7) and July shifting back to high at UV Index 6, allowing for a burn time of 25-30 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, August experiences very high exposure, followed by a return to extreme levels in September and October. Notably, November and December maintain an extreme category once again. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun protection during the high-risk months of January through April and August through October, ensuring they limit exposure and utilize sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade to avoid harmful effects from UV radiation.
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 |
| Sao Joaquim | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 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 |