Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cuenca, Ecuador is essential for safeguarding your skin health under the Andean sun. With UV levels peaking in the late morning to early afternoon, awareness of these levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and minimizing long-term skin damage. Cuenca’s mild Cfb climate provides a unique exposure risk—despite its cooler temperatures, the altitude amplifies the sun's intensity. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy outdoor activities while ensuring your skin remains protected and healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 2 by 08:00. By mid-morning, it surges to 5 at 09:00 and escalates rapidly, peaking at a blistering 14 at noon. The maximum exposure occurs around 12:00, where caution is crucial, as the index hovers at 14, indicating intense UV radiation. It remains high at 13 by 13:00 before slowly tapering off to 11 at 14:00. The afternoon sees a significant drop, with levels declining to 7 at 15:00 and then plummeting to a safe 1 by 17:00 as daylight fades. Finally, by 19:00, the UV risk nearly vanishes, reaching 0, marking an end to the day's sun exposure.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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, the UV Index remains consistently high, indicating extreme exposure risk for visitors and residents. The months of January through April mark the peak with UV Index values reaching 18, followed closely by February and March. Notably, September also sees a spike with an index of 17. The high-risk months for sun exposure are therefore between January and April, and again in September. During these periods, individuals are advised to take precautions by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, as the burn time is only 10 minutes regardless of the month. Awareness and vigilance are essential to safeguard against skin damage throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guayaquil UVI | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 12 |
Machala UVI | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
Santo Domingo de los Colorados UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
Cuenca | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 15 |
Quito UVI | 17 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 14 |