UV Index in Banos, Ecuador

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Baños, Ecuador is crucial for safeguarding your skin and maintaining overall health. As a region with a Cfb climate, Baños enjoys beautiful, temperate weather, but this also means that UV levels can soar, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at a whopping 14. Being aware of UV levels helps you take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and protect your skin from long-term damage. With UV exposure risks rising significantly between 10 AM and 2 PM, it's essential to plan your outdoor activities accordingly, ensuring your adventures in this picturesque town are safe and enjoyable!

Hourly UV Index in Banos

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. The intensity ramps up quickly, hitting 2 by 08:00 and surging to a moderate 5 by 09:00. However, as midday approaches, watch out! The index skyrockets to a peak of 14 between 12:00 and 13:00, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this zenith, the UV Index gradually descends, dropping to 11 at 14:00, and then easing to 4 by 16:00. Finally, the index dwindles to 1 by 17:00 and fades to 0 by 19:00, marking a day where sun safety is crucial during those brightest 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	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	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 Banos

Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, remaining predominantly in the extreme exposure category. From January to April, peak UV levels range from 16 to 19, marking this period as particularly high-risk, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into May through August, UV levels slightly decrease but remain at 14 to 18, still warranting caution. The risk continues into the fall months of September and October, where UV levels return to 17, before declining in November and December to 15 and 16, respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, particularly from January to April, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade when outdoors to minimize harmful UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Banos, Ecuador

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Banos. 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 Banos, 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 Banos UV Index with Other Ecuador Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Banos 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.

Banos'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
Banos	16	18	19	18	17	14	14	15	17	17	16	15
Quito UVI	17	17	19	19	17	14	15	15	17	17	16	14