Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Lucia, Ecuador is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. As the sun shines brightly in this Aw climate zone, UV levels can reach dangerously high peaks, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With maximum UV levels soaring to 11, becoming informed about daily UV exposure risks is vital for enjoying the beautiful, sunny days in Santa Lucia while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic pattern, peaking sharply during midday hours. At 07:00, the index starts low at 1, indicating minimal risk. As the sun rises, it climbs to 2 at 08:00 and rapidly escalates to 4 by 09:00. By 10:00, the intensity reaches 7, but the real intensity hits at 12:00 with a maximum of 11, signifying a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Though it dips slightly to 10 at 13:00, the index begins to retreat, dropping to 8 at 14:00, followed by a more gradual decrease to 5 at 15:00. As the sun sets, the index falls to 3 by 16:00, and then drops to 1 by 17:00, settling at a low 0 by 19:00. This data serves as a vital reminder for sun safety, especially during peak hours!
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 | 9 | 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 |
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.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Santa Lucia | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 12 |
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 |
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 |