Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Itanhaém, Brazil, where the tropical climate presents unique sun exposure challenges. With UV levels peaking at a moderate 6 around midday, it's essential to be aware of the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure, such as sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By grasping how UV Index readings vary throughout the day—from a mere 1 in the early morning to a more concerning 6 during midday hours—individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves, ensuring safe and enjoyable time under the sun in this beautiful coastal town.
The UV Index for the day shows a notable increase in solar intensity as the morning unfolds. Starting at a mild 1 between 07:00 and 09:00, the index rises sharply, peaking at 6 from 11:00 to 13:00. This is a clear indication that midday sun demands caution, with later hours dropping to 5 at 14:00 and gradually decreasing toward evening. By 18:00 and 19:00, the UV Index dips to 0, signaling a safe time to be outdoors without sun protection. Overall, this day encourages sun safety practices during those peak hours when the UV rays are most potent.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring in the winter months and early spring. From January to March, the UV Index remains extremely high, peaking at 15, indicating a risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure in just 10 minutes. The months of April and May see a slight decrease but remain very high, with a UV Index of 10 and 8 respectively, requiring 15 minutes of protection against sunburn. June and July provide some respite, classifying as high exposure with a burn time of 25 minutes, but the Index again spikes in August. The late summer and early fall return to extreme levels, particularly in September and October, where the Index hits 11 and 13. Finally, the UV levels surge back to extreme in November and December, which are crucial months for residents and visitors to emphasize sun safety. High-risk months include January, February, March, September, October, and November, where the recommended exposure time is only 10 minutes. To protect against harmful UV rays, it is essential for individuals to seek shade, wear sunscreen, and don protective clothing, especially during these peak months.
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 |
| Itanhaem | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 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 |