UV Index in Banos, Ecuador

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Baños, Ecuador is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. High UV levels can lead to severe sunburn and long-term skin damage, making awareness of these daily fluctuations vital for residents and visitors alike. Baños, nestled in a temperate Cfb climate, experiences significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM when levels can soar to a staggering 16. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in Banos

The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, starting from a modest value of 1 at 07:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity peaks dramatically, reaching a staggering 16 at noon. The midday sun brings the highest risks, particularly at 11:00 with a UV Index of 14, where precautions are essential. After the zenith, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 by 15:00 and settling back at a comfortable 1 by 17:00. Overall, this data underscores the importance of sun protection during midday hours when the UV exposure is at its most intense!

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	14	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 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