Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Presidente Bernardes, Brazil, where the sun's rays can pose significant health risks. With a climate classified as Cfa, the city experiences warm temperatures year-round, leading to elevated UV levels, especially during midday. By monitoring these UV levels, you can effectively mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. For instance, the UV Index peaks at 7 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being mindful of these figures empowers you to enjoy the sunny Brazilian days while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
Throughout the day, the UV Index showcases a dynamic pattern of intensity. Starting at a gentle 1 by 07:00, the index gradually rises, reaching a moderate 2 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, a notable increase occurs, peaking at an elevated 7 from 12:00 to 13:00, marking the day's most intense UV exposure. The index then begins its descent, dipping to 4 by 15:00 and further down to 2 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the UV risk diminishes, with values dropping to 0 at 18:00 and remaining low for the rest of the evening. It's essential to stay protected during those peak midday hours when UV exposure can be at its strongest!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values exhibit significant variability, with the highest levels typically observed in the winter and late fall months. Notably, January, February, and March all carry an extreme exposure category with a UV Index of 15, while December peaks at 16, also within the extreme range. High-risk months include September and November, seeing extreme levels at 11 and 14, respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk periods, particularly between January and March, ensuring appropriate sun protection measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when the UV exposure is most intense.
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 Paulo UVI | 16 | 15 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Presidente Bernardes | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 16 |
| 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 |