Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Llacao, Ecuador, being aware of the UV Index is essential for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate characterized by mild temperatures, the sun can still pack a punch—especially during peak hours when UV levels soar as high as 14. Understanding these levels is crucial for protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays, which can lead to serious skin damage. Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or simply going about your daily activities, knowing how to navigate the UV Index can help you stay safe and healthy under the Ecuadorian sun.
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 |
Llacao | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 15 |
Cuenca UVI | 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 |