Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Masaya Sur, Philippines, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and contribute to long-term skin health. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when the index can reach a maximum of 14, residents and visitors must stay informed to protect themselves. As the sun's intensity varies throughout the day, recognizing these levels empowers you to make informed decisions about outdoor activities, ensuring you enjoy the sunny days while minimizing risks to your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it ramps up to 4, signaling the need for light sun protection. The real intensity kicks in around 9:00 AM, peaking at a robust 11 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, when it reaches its highest point of 14. During these hours, it’s essential to find shade and apply sunscreen to shield yourself from harmful rays. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 12 at 1:00 PM before easing to 6 by 3:00 PM, and finally dipping to a low of 1 by 5:00 PM, signaling a retreat from the sun as daylight fades. This data emphasizes the importance of midday sun safety, ensuring maximum protection during the peak UV exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index values exhibit a pronounced seasonal pattern, with extreme levels persisting from January to October. The highest UV Index readings occur in March to August, peaking at 15, aligning with the sun's intensity in these months. The high-risk months for UV exposure are notably from March to September, where the burn time remains critically low at only 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade when outdoors, especially during peak sunlight hours. As autumn approaches in October, November, and December, UV levels decrease but remain very high in the latter part of the year, underscoring the importance of continuous sun safety.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caloocan City UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Quezon City UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Manila UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Masaya Sur | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Budta UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
| Davao UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 |