Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Carmelo, Uruguay, especially given the area's warm Cfa climate. The UV Index indicates the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, guiding us in taking essential precautions to prevent sunburn and protect our skin health. With typical midday UV levels peaking at 4—a moderate risk for overexposure—it's important to be mindful of your time spent outdoors, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM when rays are strongest. Stay informed and shield yourself effectively to enjoy Carmelo’s sunny days responsibly!
At dawn, the UV Index remains nonexistent until 8:00 AM, when it registers a low 1, gradually climbing as the day unfolds. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 2, and as the sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, the index peaks at a moderate 4. This peak is maintained until 2:00 PM, where the sun’s intensity persists, before gradually tapering off in the afternoon. At 3:00 PM, the UV Index drops back down to 3, continuing its decline to 1 by 5:00 PM, and ultimately settling back to 0 by 6:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV radiation fades, highlighting the importance of sun protection during those midday hours when it’s most potent.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 display significant seasonal changes, with extreme risk months occurring from January to March and again in November and December, where the UV Index peaks at 14 and burn time is as short as 10 minutes. The month of March is notably severe with a UV Index of 11, still categorized as extreme, making it crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures. As spring transitions into summer, the UV Index decreases to moderate levels in May through July, allowing for longer safe exposure times of up to 30 minutes. However, caution is still warranted as both August and September experience a rebound with high and very high levels, respectively, necessitating vigilance during outdoor activities. To summarize, it is advisable for everyone to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak UV times, especially in the high-risk months of January through March and November through December.
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 |
| Carmelo | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 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 |
| Rivera UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |