UV Index in Quito, Ecuador

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Quito, Ecuador, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and promotes overall skin health, especially in a city situated close to the equator, where UV radiation can be intense. With a climate categorized as Cfb, residents and visitors alike must be mindful of peak UV hours—particularly between 10 AM and 1 PM, when the Index soars to levels as high as 15. Protecting yourself during these hours not only preserves your skin but also enriches your experiences in this beautiful Andean city.

Hourly UV Index in Quito

As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, starting at 1 at 07:00 and gradually climbing. By 09:00, it surges to 6, indicating increasing UV exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 with a maximum of 15, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The afternoon hours maintain a strong UV presence, reaching 14 at 13:00 before gradually tapering off. By 16:00, it drops to 4, and as the day winds down, it returns to a safer range, with the index falling to 1 by 17:00 and dropping to 0 by 19:00. Stay sun-safe during 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	2	low	45 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	9	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	4	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