Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Santa Elena, Paraguay, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health, particularly in a region with a Cfa climate that offers plenty of sunshine throughout the year. With UV Index levels peaking at 6 around midday, knowledge about these fluctuations is vital for planning safe outdoor activities and minimizing exposure during the hottest hours. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic picture of sun exposure. Early hours from 07:00 to 08:00 are marked by a low index of 1, making sun protection minimal. However, as the day unfolds, the intensity rises sharply; by 09:00, it reaches 3, climbing to a peak of 6 at both 11:00 and 12:00. During this time, it's crucial to take precautions against harmful rays. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 5 at 13:00 and further to 4 by 14:00. By late afternoon, the levels fall to 2 at 15:00 and drop to 1 by 16:00, and the sun's strength wanes completely after 18:00, where it dips to 0. Plan your outdoor activities wisely!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes present varying risks for sun exposure, with the highest UV Index recorded during the winter months. From January to March, the UV Index remains at an extreme level (15–13) with a critical burn time of just 10 minutes, making this period particularly hazardous for unprotected skin. As the year progresses, April sees a decrease to a very high category (UV Index 10, burn time 15 min), followed by a moderate level in June (UV Index 5, burn time 30 min). However, the risk escalates again in late summer and early fall, with August and September reaching very high levels of UV exposure once more. The final months of the year return to extreme conditions (UV Index 14), emphasizing the importance of sun protection year-round. Visitors and residents should take precautions especially during high-risk months of January to March, October, and November, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak hours to ward off the harmful effects of UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Elena | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 |
| Lambare UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Capiata UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| San Lorenzo UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Asuncion UVI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Ciudad del Este UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 14 |