Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the heart of Catacocha, Ecuador, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Aw climate, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when levels can soar above 11. As you navigate outdoor activities in this vibrant locale, being aware of UV levels helps you make informed decisions to protect yourself against harmful rays and enjoy the sunny beauty of Catacocha safely. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or a day of adventure, knowing the UV index can enhance your experience while keeping skin damage at bay.
As the sun rises over the horizon, the UV Index starts low at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually ramping up to 2 by 8:00 AM. However, by 9:00 AM, it takes a significant leap to 4, with intensity peaking at a notable 13 by 12:00 PM. The midday sun brings the highest risk, striking 11 at 11:00 AM, followed closely by 12 at 1:00 PM. The intensity begins to wane as the afternoon progresses, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM, then gently declining to 7 by 3:00 PM. As the sun sets, the index drops to 1 by 5:00 PM, and ultimately fades away to 0 after 7:00 PM. It's a day of vibrant sunshine, and while the midday hours call for caution, the gradual descent of UV radiation offers a pleasant evening breeze.
| 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 | 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 experiences notable fluctuations, with higher levels primarily occurring from January to April. These months indicate extreme exposure levels, with a consistent UV Index peaking at 17 in March and April, causing a burn time of just 10 minutes. Other months, including September and October, also maintain a high UV Index of 16, signifying ongoing risks. May through August sees slightly lower, yet still significant UV levels, ranging from 12 to 15. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise extreme caution during these high-risk months, particularly between January and April, ensuring the use of appropriate sun protection measures, like sunscreen and protective clothing, to mitigate the risk of sunburn and 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 |
| Santo Domingo de los Colorados UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
| Catacocha | 15 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 |
| 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 |