Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Maria, Paraguay, where the subtropical Cfa climate brings ample sunshine throughout the year. With UV levels peaking at 6 around midday, awareness of UV exposure is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. The risk of harmful skin effects rises significantly during these hours, making it vital to take protective measures. Stay informed and protect yourself while enjoying Santa Maria’s beautiful sunny days!
The UV Index starts low in the early morning, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 and 12:00—the perfect time to take precautions if heading outside. By 13:00, it dips slightly to 5, and a more noticeable decline occurs in the afternoon, falling to 2 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops off sharply, reaching 1 by 16:00, and finally 0 past 18:00. It’s clear that midday sun calls for some sun safety measures, but the later hours provide a much more forgiving environment for enjoying the outdoors!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | 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, UV Index values vary significantly, with the highest levels recorded from January to March and again in October to December, all classified as extreme exposure. During these months, the burn time is remarkably low at just 10 minutes, indicating a high risk of sunburn and skin damage. April marks a slight decrease to a very high exposure category, with a burn time of 15 minutes, while May introduces a high category with a burn time of 25 minutes. From June to August, the UV index stabilizes in the moderate to high range, allowing for longer burn times of up to 30 minutes in June. Notably, September returns to a very high category. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, especially during high-risk months (January to March and October to December), including wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 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 |