Last updated: May 3, 2025
In San Vicente, Ecuador, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels helps in taking preventative measures against sunburn and long-term skin health issues, especially in this tropical climate where sun exposure can be intense. With UV Index values soaring to a maximum of 13 around midday, residents and visitors alike should be aware of the risks associated with higher UV levels. Embracing this knowledge can empower you to enjoy San Vicente’s beautiful beaches and sunny days while keeping your skin safe from harm.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, hitting a mild 1 by 7:00 AM. The intensity grows steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and then surging to 5 at 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index peaks at a robust 8, warning of increasing exposure risk. 11:00 AM sees the UV rays intensify to an impressive 11, leading to a maximum of 13 at 12:00 PM, making it critical to stay protected. The afternoon sun starts to mellow out, dropping to 12 by 1:00 PM, then gradually tapering off to 10 at 2:00 PM, 6 at 3:00 PM, and further declining to 3 at 4:00 PM. Finally, as evening descends, the index falls to 1 by 5:00 PM and remains at that level through 6:00 PM, until fading to 0 after sunset at 7:00 PM. Stay vigilant and shield yourself during those peak midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | 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 | 6 | 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 remains exceptionally high, ranging from 11 to 15 during the peak months, indicating an extreme exposure category. Notably, the highest UV readings occur from March to May, with March reaching an index of 15, marking it as one of the highest-risk months for sun exposure. Additionally, January and February also present significant hazards with a UV Index of 14. Residents and visitors should exercise caution during these months, ensuring to limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly, as the burn time is as little as 10 minutes across the board. Always stay informed about daily UV levels to protect your skin effectively.
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 |
| San Vicente | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
| 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 |