Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Tosagua, Ecuador, where the Aw climate brings both tropical beauty and significant sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching a striking 13 during midday hours, awareness of these UV fluctuations can make all the difference in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. As the sun’s rays intensify, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen becomes essential, ensuring that you can enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle of Tosagua while safeguarding your skin from potential harm. Stay informed, stay protected, and embrace the sunshine responsibly!
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 |
The UV index in the region remains consistently high throughout the year, primarily categorized as extreme. From January to April, the index peaks at 15, indicating the highest risk months for sun exposure, where a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. May experiences a slight decline to 13, but the threat remains significant. In the summer months of June and July, the UV index remains at 11, continuing the trend of high risk. August sees a small increase to 12, followed by slightly lower yet still critical levels of 13 in September and October, and 12 in November. By December, the index is 11, maintaining extreme conditions. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Tosagua | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 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 |