Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Rosa, Ecuador, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With the region's Aw climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity, residents and visitors alike face an increased risk of sunburn and skin damage, particularly during peak hours when UV levels soar. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, which can reach levels above 10, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin health and enjoy the beautiful, sunny days that Santa Rosa has to offer. Embrace the sun responsibly by staying informed about the UV exposure risks throughout the day!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise as the sun reaches its peak. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, hitting 4 by 9:00 AM, and then surging to 11 by noon—the highest level of the day. This intense peak at 12:00 PM signals a critical time for sun safety, with values remaining elevated at 10 until 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines to 5 by 3:00 PM, and then drops further, reaching a low of 0 by 7:00 PM. It's clear that during the midday hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, extra precautions are essential to protect against harmful UV exposure.
| 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 | 10 | 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 | 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 |
The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme levels recorded from January to May and September to November, signaling a significant risk for skin damage due to sun exposure. Months such as February and March peak with UV Index values of 15 and 16, marking them as particularly high-risk periods for sunburn, where any unprotected skin can burn within just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with a high SPF, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Even during the summer months of June and July, when the UV Index is slightly lower at 11, vigilance is still crucial, as prolonged exposure can lead to harmful effects. Always prioritize skin safety, particularly during these high-risk months.
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 |
| Santa Rosa | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 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 |