Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors to Puerto Bolivar, Ecuador, where the sun shines brightly over its warm Aw climate. Being aware of UV levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially during the peak hours when the UV Index reaches its highest values of 10 around noon. With typical risks of overexposure during late mornings and early afternoons, being informed can help you enjoy the beautiful coastal environment while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects. Stay informed, stay safe, and make the most of Puerto Bolivar’s sunny days!
The UV Index throughout the day follows an illuminating path, beginning with a gentle maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs steadily, reaching a comfortable 2 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it hits 4, but the real intensity begins at 10:00 AM when it surges to 7. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, both clocking in at a strong 10, urging sun seekers to adopt protective measures. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dipping to 8 at 2:00 PM, then to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins its descent, the index falls further to 3 at 4:00 PM, before retreating back to 1 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 0 by 7:00 PM, marking the end of a day under the sun's potent rays.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, with high-risk months largely concentrated from January to April, where the index remains consistently at 14 to 15 with an extreme exposure category and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, June and July see a slight decrease to 10, categorized as very high, extending burn time to 15 minutes. August to November maintains an extreme risk level with UV indices between 12 and 13, keeping burn times at 10 minutes. Therefore, residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures during these months: wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize skin damage. Being vigilant about UV exposure is essential in ensuring safety and health in these regions.
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 |
| Puerto Bolivar | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 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 |
| 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 |