Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Ana, Ecuador is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Aw climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high sun exposure, awareness of UV levels can help residents and visitors alike take proactive measures against harmful ultraviolet rays. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 1 PM, Santa Ana experiences notably high UV indices, reaching up to 13—well into the "extreme" category. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy the sunny beauty of Santa Ana while keeping your skin safe from potential damage.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reaches its peak around noon, starting from a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM and soaring to a striking 13 by 12:00 PM. The sun’s intensity continues to shine bright, hovering at 12 until 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually dips, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and then significantly declining to 6 by 3:00 PM. By 4:00 PM, the UV Index slides down to 3, and as the sun begins to set, it decreases to 1 by 5:00 PM and finally reaches 0 by 7:00 PM. This data reminds us of the necessity to seek shade or wear sunscreen during peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when UV exposure is highest.
| 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 | 12 | 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 |
The UV Index remains high throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories from January to April and a sustained level of 11 or higher from May to August. The highest levels are recorded from March to April, peaking at 15, signifying a critical risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure within just 10 minutes. As the year progresses, although the UV Index dips slightly during the latter months, it remains significant, particularly in September and October, both at 13. Therefore, it is crucial for visitors and residents to exercise caution, particularly during the high-risk months from January to April, as well as in the early fall. Always wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize risk of 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 |
| Santa Ana | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 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 |