Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in San Lorenzo de Esmeraldas, Ecuador is essential for everyone who enjoys the outdoors in this beautiful coastal town. With its tropical climate, San Lorenzo experiences significant sun exposure, particularly during peak hours when the UV levels can soar to 14 around midday. Greater awareness of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, as even brief periods of exposure can lead to damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can take smart precautions to enjoy the sun safely while protecting their skin from harmful effects.
The UV index today begins its gradual ascent at 07:00, peaking at a notable 14 by 12:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the intensity of UV radiation can be felt, with an alarming index of 12 at 11:00 and 14 at noon—perfect reminders to lather up on sunscreen! After this peak, the values steadily decline, dropping to 10 at 14:00, and eventually tapering off to 1 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV index dips further to an almost negligible 0 by 19:00, signaling a safe time to bask in the sunset without worry. Stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 in this region remains consistently high, reaching extreme levels from January to May, with a peak of 15 in March and April. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January through May, when the burn time is critically short at just 10 minutes for all months listed. Although the UV Index slightly decreases during the summer and fall months, it remains dangerously high, with values around 12 to 13 from June to November. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautionary measures year-round, such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with adequate SPF, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure during peak hours to mitigate the risk of 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 |
| San Lorenzo de Esmeraldas | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
| 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 |