Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Rio Branco, Uruguay, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With high UV levels peaking around midday, residents and visitors must stay informed to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The city’s temperate Cfa climate means moderate but concerning UV exposure, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the index reveals values reaching 4. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while taking vital precautions to protect yourself from harmful rays. Stay aware, stay safe!
The UV Index today starts low, with maximum values reaching 0 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises, it gradually climbs to 1 at 8:00 AM and stays steady until 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index jumps to 2, marking the onset of more direct sunlight. The UV exposure peaks at 4 from 12:00 PM to 14:00 PM, signaling a critical time for sun protection. Following this peak, it dips back to 2 at 15:00 PM before easing further to 1 by 16:00 PM. Finally, the day wraps up with 0 UV exposure by 19:00 PM, making the late afternoon a much safer time for outdoor activities. Don't forget to apply sunscreen during the midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary significantly, with the highest values occurring in the winter months. From January to March, the UV Index consistently peaks at 14 to 12, placing these months in the extreme exposure category where unprotected skin may burn within 10 minutes. Following this, April sees a decrease to 8, categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. By May and June, the index drops to moderate levels of 5 and 4, allowing for safer sun exposure at about 30 minutes for unprotected skin. However, as summer transitions to fall, September and October witness a rise again to 9 and 11, categorized as very high and extreme respectively, with burn times of 15 and 10 minutes. November and December return to extreme levels, mirroring the beginning of the year. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to prioritize sun protection, especially from January through March and during October and November, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary to mitigate the risks associated with high UV exposure.
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 |
| Rio Branco | 14 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Salto UVI | 15 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Rivera UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |