Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Portovelo, Ecuador, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the sun. With its Aw climate, the area experiences significant UV exposure, especially during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the index can soar to as high as 12. Awareness of these levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, empowering residents and visitors to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. Whether you're hiking in the lush surroundings or simply enjoying a day in the sun, being informed about UV levels can make a significant difference in your sun safety strategy.
The UV Index starts off low at 1 around 07:00, gradually rising to a moderate 2 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its peak, the index sharply escalates, hitting 8 at 10:00 and peaking at a striking 12 between 12:00 and 13:00. This intense solar exposure signals a strong need for protection, especially with the index maintaining an elevated 11 at 11:00 before beginning a gradual decline. By 14:00, it drops to 9, then further down to 6 at 15:00, and continues to fall, reaching 1 by 17:00. As the evening approaches, the UV levels taper off to 0 by 19:00, indicating a complete cessation of harmful UV exposure. Stay savvy and prioritize sun safety during those peak hours!
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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | 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 exhibits significant variability throughout the year, with values peaking at 17 in March and April, categorizing these months as high-risk for skin damage due to extreme exposure. Notably, the average burn time remains consistently low at 10 minutes across all months, emphasizing the need for vigilance. While January to May and September to November maintain high UV levels, it’s critical for both visitors and residents to prioritize sun safety, especially during the spring months when UV radiation is most intense. Recommendations include wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen generously, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize 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 |
Portovelo | 15 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 14 |
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 |