Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Puerto Bolivar, Ecuador, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful radiation. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and ensuring long-term skin health, especially in a region with a tropical climate where intense sun exposure is common. With UV peaks reaching as high as 10 during midday hours, it's essential for residents and visitors to be mindful of their sun exposure and take proactive measures to stay safe under the Ecuadorian sun. Embrace the beauty of Puerto Bolivar while prioritizing your skin’s health!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. However, by 10:00 AM, it swiftly climbs to a more intense 6, signaling that outdoor enthusiasts should take precautions. The peak intensity occurs during the midday hours, where it reaches its highest values of 10 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. This is when skin protection is crucial, as the sun’s rays are most potent. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases; by 4:00 PM, it dips to 3, and by 7:00 PM, it drops to a safe 0. Overall, it’s essential to monitor UV levels throughout the day, especially during the peak hours, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience outdoors.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | 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 |
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 |