Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Montevideo, Uruguay, as it plays a vital role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Cfa climate that features abundant sunshine, the UV levels can peak significantly, especially around midday when the index reaches as high as 5. Being aware of these levels can help you make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring that your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe. As you explore the beautiful beaches and vibrant culture of Montevideo, stay vigilant to the sun’s intensity and take the necessary precautions to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.
The UV Index data for the day reveals a progressive ascent in solar intensity, starting from a peaceful 0 at 07:00. As the sun rises higher in the sky, it peaks at 5 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a moderate risk for sun exposure. 11:00 and 10:00 see values of 4 and 2 respectively, signaling an increasing need for sun safety measures. As the afternoon unfolds, readings gently descend, dropping back to 3 by 15:00 and tapering to 0 after 18:00. Overall, it’s a day where vigilance is key during the midday hours, while mornings and evenings offer a respite from harmful rays.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | 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 |
The UV Index indicates significant seasonal variations in UV radiation exposure, with the highest values occurring from January to March, where levels reach an extreme category (UV Index 14-11) and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. The months of November and December also present similar risks, returning to extreme levels (UV Index 13-14). In contrast, April and August are categorized as high (UV Index 7 and 6), allowing for slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes, whereas May, June, and July are moderate (UV Index 5-3), providing more leeway for safe exposure (30 minutes). As September and October shift to very high (UV Index 8-10), burn times decrease again to 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to prioritize sun safety during high-risk months—especially from January through March and November—by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize potential skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montevideo | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 |
| Las Piedras 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 |
| Rivera UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |