Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Santa Lucia, Ecuador, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful radiation. Understanding the UV levels is essential not just for preventing sunburn, but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With a tropical climate characterized by high sun exposure, especially during midday hours, residents and visitors must remain vigilant about UV risks. At peak times, the UV Index can soar to 10, signaling an extreme level of solar intensity that warrants protection measures. Stay informed and equipped to enjoy the sun safely in this vibrant region!
The UV Index throughout the day follows an illuminating path, beginning with a gentle maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs steadily, reaching a comfortable 2 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it hits 4, but the real intensity begins at 10:00 AM when it surges to 7. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, both clocking in at a strong 10, urging sun seekers to adopt protective measures. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dipping to 8 at 2:00 PM, then to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins its descent, the index falls further to 3 at 4:00 PM, before retreating back to 1 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 0 by 7:00 PM, marking the end of a day under the sun's potent rays.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |