Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Tena, Ecuador, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and maintaining overall health. As the sun's rays can intensify throughout the day, being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a climate characterized by high humidity and a strong equatorial sun, Tena exhibits significant UV exposure risks, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when the UV Index peaks at 13. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Tena while prioritizing their skin health.
At 07:00 AM, the UV Index begins to rise modestly at 1, indicating relatively low sun exposure. As the morning progresses, it climbs to 2 by 08:00 AM, and then surges dramatically to 5 by 09:00 AM. The real intensity hits at 10:00 AM with a peak of 9, and by 11:00 AM, the sun is at its strongest with a maximum of 11. The UV Index continues its ascent, reaching a scorching 13 at 12:00 PM, before slightly tapering off to 12 by 01:00 PM. As the afternoon unfolds, the index drops steadily to 9 at 02:00 PM and further decreases to 6 by 03:00 PM. The sun’s power diminishes as the day winds down, falling to 3 at 04:00 PM and finally settling at 1 by 05:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV level drops to 0 by 07:00 PM, signaling a safe time to enjoy the outdoors without worry.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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, UV Index levels remain high, particularly in the early months from January to April, where the index peaks at 17. This suggests that the highest risk months are clearly the winter and early spring, specifically March and April, where exposure is categorized as extreme, and the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Although the index slightly declines to 13 during the summer months of June through August, it remains in the extreme category, continuing to pose significant risks to skin health. As we move toward fall, the UV Index rises again in September and October before gently tapering off, highlighting a persistent danger for residents and visitors alike. It is crucial for everyone to take precautions year-round—wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize risks, especially during the high UV index periods.
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 |
| Tena | 15 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 |
| 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 |