Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Portovelo, Ecuador is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. The local climate, categorized as Aw, brings a tropical atmosphere that can lead to significantly elevated UV levels, especially during midday hours when the Index peaks at 14. Awareness of these UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. With values soaring to 13 and 14 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, it’s vital for residents and visitors alike to take precautions to protect themselves from excessive sun exposure. Stay informed, plan your outdoor activities wisely, and enjoy the beauty of Portovelo while keeping your skin safe!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic shift in solar intensity. Early morning hours, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, reveal mild levels of UV exposure, with indices of 1 and 2, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the clock strikes 9:00 AM, the UV Index surges to 6, indicating the onset of higher sunlight intensity. By 10:00 AM, it peaks at an impressive 9. The sun reaches its zenith around 12:00 PM, where the index hits 14, marking a crucial time to take protective measures against UV rays. Despite a slight decline to 10 at 2:00 PM, the afternoon still demands caution. As the day winds down, the UV levels dramatically drop to 1 by 5:00 PM and reach negligible levels by evening. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |