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UV Index in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Guayaquil, Ecuador, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the unique warm climate of this coastal city, UV levels can spike dramatically—especially during midday, reaching as high as 12 on the scale. Being aware of UV exposure not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a significant role in reducing long-term skin damage and the risk of skin cancer. With the sun shining brightly for most of the year, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the sun safely while living or visiting this vibrant locale.

Hourly UV Index in Guayaquil

The UV Index starts off low at 1 around 07:00, gradually rising to a moderate 2 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its peak, the index sharply escalates, hitting 8 at 10:00 and peaking at a striking 12 between 12:00 and 13:00. This intense solar exposure signals a strong need for protection, especially with the index maintaining an elevated 11 at 11:00 before beginning a gradual decline. By 14:00, it drops to 9, then further down to 6 at 15:00, and continues to fall, reaching 1 by 17:00. As the evening approaches, the UV levels taper off to 0 by 19:00, indicating a complete cessation of harmful UV exposure. Stay savvy and prioritize sun safety during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:002low45 min
09:005moderate30 min
10:008very high15 min
11:0011extreme10 min
12:0012extreme10 min
13:0012extreme10 min
14:009very high15 min
15:006high25 min
16:003moderate30 min
17:001low45 min
18:001low45 min
19:000low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Guayaquil

Throughout the year, the UV Index in this region remains notably high, with an extreme exposure category from January to June and during other months as well. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from January to April, peaking in March with a UV Index of 15, indicating very short burn times of just 10 minutes. In July, the UV Index shifts to very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes, but still posing a significant risk. Visitors and residents should take necessary precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, using high-SPF sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize their risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Guayaquil, Ecuador

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Guayaquil. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec141415141211101113131112
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Guayaquil, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Guayaquil UV Index with Other Ecuador Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Guayaquil compares to other major locations across Ecuador. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.
Guayaquil's solar exposure compared to other cities in Ecuador. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Guayaquil141415141211101113131112
Machala UVI141415141210101113131212
Santo Domingo de los Colorados UVI141516151412121213141211
Cuenca UVI161718181613141417161515
Quito UVI171719191714151517171614