Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Valdez, Ecuador, where the sun's rays can be remarkably intense. Given the region's Af climate, which boasts abundant sunshine, awareness of UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. With the UV Index peaking at 13 around noon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can protect your skin from harmful effects, ensuring you enjoy the outdoor beauty of Valdez safely. Stay informed and embrace the sun wisely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a mild 1 by 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 5, but it’s from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM that the UV rays pack a punch, peaking at a staggering 13 at 12:00 PM. This intense exposure persists slightly into the afternoon, with levels at 12 and 10 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM before gradually tapering off. By 3:00 PM, the UV Index drops to a safer 7, then continues to decline throughout the evening, falling back to 1 by 5:00 PM and reaching zero by 7:00 PM. Remember, during peak hours, it’s crucial to protect your skin from those harmful rays! 🌞
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 | 12 | 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 |
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 |
Valdez | 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 |