Last updated: July 2, 2025
In La Troncal, Ecuador, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, reaching as high as 12 on the scale, awareness can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. The region's tropical climate means residents and visitors are often exposed to elevated UV radiation, especially during the dry season. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle La Troncal has to offer while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index for the day illustrates a clear pattern of rising intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs to 2 by 8:00 AM, signaling the start of a moderately low UV risk. By 9:00 AM, it hits 4, marking the onset of more noticeable sun exposure. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, where the UV index peaks at an intense 12—a critical time for sun safety. As afternoon gives way to evening, the index begins to decline, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and sinking to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, by 7:00 PM, the UV threat diminishes entirely, with a reading of 0. A day's journey through UV risk highlights the importance of protection during those midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with notably high-risk months from January to April where values peak at 16 to 17, indicating an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this peak, the index slightly decreases to 12 during the summer months of June, July, and August, but remains in the extreme category. As we transition into fall, September's index returns to 15, before tapering to 13 in the winter months of November and December. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these high-UV periods, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| La Troncal | 15 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 |
| 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 |