Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Bella Union, Uruguay, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for both protecting your skin and maintaining long-term health. Understanding the daily UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin damage, especially with Bella Union's temperate Cfa climate, which can expose residents and visitors to varying UV risks throughout the day. During peak hours, particularly from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, when the UV Index often reaches levels of 4, it’s essential to take precautions. By staying informed about UV exposure, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin's health.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a gentle morning rise, starting at 0 at 07:00, then climbing to 1 by 08:00 and staying steady until it reaches 2 at 10:00. Midday brings the peak intensity, with the index soaring to 4 from 12:00 to 14:00, indicating a significant need for sun protection. As the afternoon wears on, the UV levels gradually decline, tapering back down to 1 by 16:00, before dropping to 0 after 18:00. This daily pattern highlights the importance of being mindful of UV exposure, especially between noon and early afternoon when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 levels show significant fluctuations, with January to March marked by extreme exposure (UV Index 15 to 12) and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As we move into April, the risk decreases slightly to a very high level (UV Index 9) with a 15-minute burn time, followed by a further drop in May to high (UV Index 6) and 25 minutes of burn time. The summer months—June and July—offer moderate UV levels (UV Index 4 and 5), allowing for 30 minutes of sun exposure, but the risk rises again in August (UV Index 7, high, 25 minutes). September returns to very high exposure (UV Index 9), while in October and November, the UV index returns to extreme levels (UV Index 12 and 14), with a consistent 10-minute burn time. Finally, December remains in the extreme category (UV Index 14). Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months from January to March and again from October to December, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Piedras UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 |
| Montevideo UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 |
| Paysandu UVI | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Salto UVI | 15 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Bella Union | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| Rivera UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |