Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Clara, Ecuador, is essential for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburns. With its tropical climate, residents and visitors alike need to be aware of the varying UV levels throughout the day, particularly during peak hours. For instance, the UV Index can soar to a concerning 15 between noon and 1 PM, signaling a critical need for protective measures. By staying informed about these UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sunshine of Santa Clara while safeguarding your skin against harmful effects and long-term health issues. Don't let the sun's rays catch you off guard—stay sun-smart and protect your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a clear peak and decline, reflecting the intensity of sunlight. As early as 07:00, the index starts at a modest 1, gradually rising to 3 by 08:00. However, at 09:00, it surges dramatically to 6 and reaches its zenith at 12:00 with an impressive 15. The afternoon sees a slight decrease, with readings of 14 at 13:00 and 11 at 14:00, before falling rapidly. By 15:00, the index dips to 7, and by 16:00, it drops further to 3, finally reaching 1 at 17:00 and slipping to 0 by 18:00 and 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly between 10:00 and 14:00, when the UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows a consistent pattern of extreme exposure, signaling a high risk of harm from the sun's rays. With values ranging from 13 to 17, the most critical months for UV exposure are February through April, where the index peaks at 17. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these high-risk months, adopting protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible, especially with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Despite minor fluctuations, the extreme category remains consistent, indicating that caution should be exercised year-round to prevent 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 |
| Santa Clara | 15 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 |
| 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 |