Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Ilhabela, Brazil, where the tropical climate brings both beauty and sun exposure. With the potential for harmful UV radiation, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. As the UV Index peaks at 6 during midday, it’s vital to take precautions such as applying sunscreen and seeking shade, especially given Ilhabela's lush surroundings and outdoor lifestyle. Being informed about UV exposure risks not only helps protect your skin but also enhances your enjoyment of this stunning island paradise.
The UV Index starts low in the early morning, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 and 12:00—the perfect time to take precautions if heading outside. By 13:00, it dips slightly to 5, and a more noticeable decline occurs in the afternoon, falling to 2 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops off sharply, reaching 1 by 16:00, and finally 0 past 18:00. It’s clear that midday sun calls for some sun safety measures, but the later hours provide a much more forgiving environment for enjoying the outdoors!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 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, the UV Index reveals significant seasonal changes in sun exposure risk. The months of January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December consistently showcase an extreme exposure category with a high UV Index ranging from 12 to 15 and a quick burn time of 10 minutes, marking them as high-risk months for sunburn. Conversely, during May and August, the UV Index lowers to 8 and 9 respectively, though still classified as very high, offering a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. In the summer, June and July present a lower UV Index of 6 and 7 classified as high, with a burn time extending to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents alike should exercise caution, especially during extreme months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to minimize health risks.
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 |
| Ilhabela | 15 | 15 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 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 |