UV Index in Quito, Ecuador

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Quito, Ecuador, staying aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. With Quito's high-altitude climate and typically elevated UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, residents and visitors alike must be conscious of the daily fluctuations in UV intensity. From a peak of 16 during the midday hours, awareness of these levels can guide you in taking necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely.

Hourly UV Index in Quito

At 07:00, the UV Index starts gently at 1, but by 08:00, it begins to rise, reaching 3. As the sun ascends, an increase in intensity is evident, soaring to 7 by 09:00. The peak of the day occurs between 11:00 and 12:00, where the UV Index hits its highest point at 16, emphasizing the need for sun protection during these hours. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually declines, dropping to 15 at 13:00 and further decreasing to 12 by 14:00. The latter part of the day sees a significant drop, with readings falling back to 7 at 15:00 and tapering off to 1 by 17:00. The UV levels finally relax to 0 by 19:00, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Always stay vigilant and protect your skin during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	7	high	25 min
10:00	11	extreme	10 min
11:00	15	extreme	10 min
12:00	16	extreme	10 min
13:00	15	extreme	10 min
14:00	12	extreme	10 min
15:00	7	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Quito

The UV Index data reveals consistently extreme exposure levels throughout the year, with values typically ranging from 14 to 19. Notably, March shows the highest recorded index at 19, indicating a peak period for sun exposure. High-risk months include February through September, where the UV Index remains particularly elevated at 17 or above. Consequently, both visitors and residents should take precautionary measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, especially during midday hours when burn times are reduced to just 10 minutes. Awareness and vigilance are essential to safeguard health against harmful UV radiation year-round.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Quito, Ecuador

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Quito. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Quito, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Quito UV Index with Other Ecuador Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Quito compares to other major locations across Ecuador. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Quito's solar exposure compared to other cities in Ecuador. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Cuenca UVI	16	17	18	18	16	13	14	14	17	16	15	15
Quito	17	17	19	19	17	14	15	15	17	17	16	14