Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. This vibrant region, characterized by its warm tropical climate, experiences significant UV exposure throughout the day, particularly during peak hours when the index soars to levels 11 and 12. Being aware of these fluctuations can be key to preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. With UV levels rapidly rising from 4 at 9 AM to a maximum of 12 around noon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the sun safely in this beautiful locale.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, peaking at a striking 12 between noon and 1 PM, a clear signal for the sun's intense power. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7 AM, it escalates to a moderate 4 by 9 AM, and then surges to an 8 by 10 AM, urging early risers to seek shade. The index reaches its zenith with an aggressive 11 at 11 AM, warning of the necessity to protect skin. As the afternoon wears on, it begins to decline, dropping to a 9 by 2 PM, and dwindling further to a 3 by 4 PM. By the time the clock strikes 6 PM, the index returns to a modest 1, providing a gentle reminder of the day’s solar intensity before fading to 0 by 7 PM. Enjoy the sun, but stay safe!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 |
The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories dominating each month. From January to April, the UV Index peaks at 16 in March, signaling high-risk months where individuals should be particularly cautious, as the burn time is as short as 10 minutes across these months. While the UV Index slightly declines in the summer months of June to August, the values remain at 12, indicating ongoing risk. September through November sees slight fluctuations, but the index hovers around 12 to 14, maintaining an extreme rating. With such high levels of UV exposure year-round, it is essential for both visitors and residents to practice sun safety by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to reduce the risk of 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 | 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 |