Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Rio das Pedras, Brazil, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful solar radiation. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, especially in this Cfa climate, where sunny days are frequent. With midday UV levels peaking at 7 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, it's important to take precautions during those hours to minimize exposure risks. By staying informed about UV intensity, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against potential damage.
The UV Index exhibits a dynamic pattern throughout the day, peaking sharply around midday. Starting off mild at 07:00 and 08:00 with a UV Index of 1, exposure remains minimal. However, as the sun climbs, the intensity increases significantly by 09:00, reaching 3, and continues to rise to a notable peak of 7 at 12:00 and 13:00. This indicates a need for sun protection during these hours. By 14:00, the UV Index begins to decline, falling to 5, and subsequently drops further, settling at 1 by 17:00 and finally reaching 0 by 18:00. In summary, the day's UV exposure highlights the importance of vigilance against UV radiation, particularly between 10:00 and 14:00 when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest levels typically occurring in the winter months. January, February, and December consistently exhibit an extreme UV Index of 16, demanding a swift burn time of only 10 minutes. The months of March, April, September, October, and November also fall into the extreme category (with indices ranging from 11 to 14) and require similar caution for skin exposure within 10 minutes. Conversely, May and August present very high levels, with indices of 8 and 9, necessitating careful use of sun protection for up to 15 minutes. The summer months of June and July show a slight decrease to high levels (6 and 7) with burn times extending to 25 minutes. Given this data, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to exercise particular caution from late winter through early fall, especially during the extreme months, by using adequate sun protection and limiting direct sunlight exposure.
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 |
| Rio das Pedras | 16 | 16 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 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 |