UV Index in Cuenca, Ecuador

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Cuenca, Ecuador, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With high altitude and strong sunlight, the UV levels can rise dramatically, peaking at 15 around midday, which can lead to severe sunburn and long-term skin damage if precautions aren’t taken. Given Cuenca's temperate climate characterized by mild temperatures and varied exposure, being aware of these UV levels not only helps in sunburn prevention but also promotes better skin health. Therefore, staying informed about the daily UV Index is crucial for enjoying the beauty of Cuenca while minimizing your risk of UV-related harm.

Hourly UV Index in Cuenca

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily throughout the morning, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling that sun protection is becoming increasingly important. The peak occurs around 12:00 PM with a blistering 15, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity begins to taper off after 1:00 PM, dropping to 11 by 2:00 PM and further down to 7 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index falls sharply, returning to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM and eventually dropping to 0 at 7:00 PM. Remember, during peak hours, safeguarding your skin is essential!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	14	extreme	10 min
12:00	15	extreme	10 min
13:00	14	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Cuenca

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Cuenca, Ecuador

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Cuenca. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Cuenca, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Cuenca UV Index with Other Ecuador Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Cuenca compares to other major locations across Ecuador. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Cuenca's solar exposure compared to other cities in Ecuador. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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