Last updated: May 3, 2025
In San Gabriel, Ecuador, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the daily UV levels helps you take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a Csb climate, San Gabriel experiences significant UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the UV Index can surge as high as 16. By staying informed about these levels, you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risks associated with high UV radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it increases to 3, signaling the start of a brighter day. The real intensity kicks in at 09:00 with a substantial 7, setting the stage for peak sun exposure. At 10:00, the UV Index reaches a high of 11, while it peaks at an impressive 16 by 12:00, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. Slightly easing, the index drops to 14 at 13:00 and 11 by 14:00, before gradually declining. By late afternoon, conditions cool down with readings of 7 at 15:00 and 3 at 16:00, fading to 1 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index plummets to 0 by 19:00, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Remember, the sun can be fierce, so protect your skin during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 16 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels display notable consistency, with values mostly categorized as extreme. The highest readings occur from January to April, peaking at 18 in March and April, presenting a significant risk of skin damage with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into the summer months, UV levels slightly decrease, though they remain high with a range between 14 and 16 from June to November. Notably, February to April are identified as high-risk months for UV exposure. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautionary measures, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly during peak hours to minimize the risk of harmful effects from ultraviolet radiation.
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 |
| San Gabriel | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 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 |