Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Portovelo, Ecuador, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV exposure, awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. Throughout the day, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Portovelo experiences significant UV peaks, with indices reaching as high as 12. This makes it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing health risks.
The UV Index for the day shows a dramatic shift as the sun climbs higher, reaching its peak at noon with a value of 12, indicating a very high level of UV radiation. The sun's intensity begins to ramp up sharply from 8:00 AM, where it starts at a mild 2, climbing to a notable 11 by 11:00 AM. By 1:00 PM, the UV Index remains steady at 12, reminding everyone to take necessary precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, with values dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM, and tapering off to 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the rating falls to a mere 0, signaling a safe return outdoors as daylight fades. Remember to shield yourself 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 | 13 | 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 |