Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in La Union, Ecuador, where the warm conditions can elevate sun exposure risks. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. With La Union's Cfb climate, typically featuring high UV indices, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, it’s essential to take precautions during these peak hours to protect yourself from harmful rays. Stay informed and stay safe to enjoy all the beauty that La Union has to offer!
Starting off the day, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00, rising steadily as the sun climbs higher. By 08:00, it increases to 2, and by 09:00, it reaches 6, a clear indication that sun protection is becoming more necessary. The peak occurs at 12:00, where it soars to an intense 14, making midday the time to be most cautious. The index gradually descends after 1 PM, dropping to 10 at 14:00, and continuing to decline with readings of 6 at 15:00 and 3 by 16:00. As the evening approaches, the UV Index reduces to 1 by 17:00 and finally settles at 0 by 19:00, signaling a safe return to outdoor activities without sun protection. Stay aware of these fluctuations to protect your skin throughout the day!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | 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 |
The UV Index in this region exhibits extremely high levels throughout the year, with values peaking at 19 in March and staying consistently high around 17-18 from January to May and September to November. High-risk months include January through May and September, where the risk of sunburn is particularly significant, with a burn time of only 10 minutes noted for all months. As a result, it is crucial for visitors and residents alike to take necessary precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of overexposure. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV radiation can still cause harm!
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 UVI | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 15 |
La Union | 17 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 |
Quito UVI | 17 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 14 |