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UV Index in Playas, Ecuador

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Playas, Ecuador, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. With its warm Aw climate, residents and visitors often enjoy sun-soaked days, but this also comes with increased risks of sunburn, particularly during peak UV hours. The UV levels here can soar to a striking 11 around noon, making awareness and proactive protection essential to prevent harmful skin damage. From applying sunscreen to wearing protective clothing, knowing the UV Index helps you stay safe while enjoying the beautiful coastal sun.

Hourly UV Index in Playas

The UV Index for the day showcases a dramatic rise in sun intensity as the morning progresses, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 AM. By 09:00 AM, it escalates to 4, and then surges past the 6 mark at 10:00 AM. The peak intensity is reached at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where the UV Index hits a striking 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually tapers off to a more manageable 6 at 3:00 PM, before dipping to 1 by 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and finally sinking to 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s a clear reminder to take precautions during the peak hours—especially from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM—to safeguard against the sun's powerful rays.

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
09:004moderate30 min
10:006high25 min
11:009very high15 min
12:0011extreme10 min
13:0011extreme10 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 Playas

The UV Index in this region remains extremely high throughout the year, with values consistently ranging from 11 to 15. The highest UV levels occur between March and May, marking them as high-risk months for sun exposure, with a burn time of just 10 minutes during these periods. Even during June to August, the indices still present a significant risk at 11, while September to November show only a slight reduction to 12 or 13. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions year-round, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours, to minimize the risk of skin damage from UV radiation.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Playas, Ecuador

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Playas. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec141415141211111113131212
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Playas, 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 Playas UV Index with Other Ecuador Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Playas 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.
Playas's solar exposure compared to other cities in Ecuador. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Guayaquil UVI141415141211101113131112
Machala UVI141415141210101113131212
Playas141415141311111113131212
Santo Domingo de los Colorados UVI141516151412121213141211
Cuenca UVI161718181613141417161515
Quito UVI171719191714151517171614