Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for the residents of Varzea Paulista, Brazil, where the climate is characterized by warm temperatures and ample sunlight. With peak UV levels reaching 8 around midday, awareness of these values can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. By grasping the risks associated with different UV levels, locals can take proactive measures to shield themselves from harmful effects. Given Varzea Paulista's typically sunny climate, monitoring the UV Index is not just a seasonal concern, but a year-round necessity for maintaining healthy skin in the face of rising UV exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, but it's not until 09:00 that it hits 3, signaling a clearer sky. The index takes a notable leap at 10:00, reaching a brisk 5, and peaks at 12:00 with a striking 8—the ideal time to seek shade or apply sunscreen! As the afternoon wears on, the index falls back to 7 at 13:00, and then gradually drops to 5 by 14:00. As the sun starts to set, there's a further decline, leaving the evening with a relaxed 1 at 16:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This detailed hour-by-hour progression highlights the importance of sun safety during the peak hours of the day!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels consistently occurring in the winter months of January and February, where both register at 16, categorizing exposure as extreme and necessitating a mere 10 minutes of sun exposure before burning. Following closely, March through April also showcases extreme UV levels, before tapering slightly in May, where the index drops to 8 but remains in the very high range. June and July see mild reductions, landing at 6 and 7, respectively, representing high exposure risks with a burn time of 25 minutes. Nevertheless, as the season transitions back to fall, September and October return to extreme levels, particularly notable in September at 11 and October at 13, while November maintains a high index of 14. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant from January through April and again in September and October, as these are critical months for high UV exposure risks. It's advisable for everyone to adopt protective measures, including wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, during these high-risk periods to minimize adverse effects from UV 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 |
| Varzea Paulista | 16 | 16 | 13 | 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 |