Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Fray Bentos, Uruguay, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it directly impacts skin health and sunburn prevention. Understanding UV levels helps you make informed decisions to protect yourself from harmful sun exposure, especially during the peak hours of the day. With a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), Fray Bentos experiences significant UV exposure, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when the index can reach levels as high as 5. Stay sun-safe and enjoy the beautiful outdoors by knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen!
The UV Index offers a clear glimpse into the sun's intensity throughout the day. At 7:00 AM, the index starts at a ground zero of 0, making it a safe time for morning activities. As the sun rises, it gradually climbs to 1 by 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, indicating low UV exposure. However, the real action begins at 10:00 AM, when the index escalates to 3—a point where sun protection starts to become essential. The peak of the day occurs between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, reaching a maximum of 5, warning us to take extra precautions. After this high point, the UV exposure decreases, tapering to 4 by 2:00 PM, then down to 3 at 3:00 PM, and finally cooling off to 1 by early evening, landing back at 0 by 7:00 PM. Understanding this hour-by-hour UV trend empowers us to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risk of overexposure.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes in sun exposure, with high-risk months occurring from January to April and during October to November. The UV Index peaks at 15 in January and gradually decreases to 4 by July before rising again. Notably, from January to March, the exposure category remains in the extreme range, with a quick burn time of only 10 minutes. In contrast, May and June experience a moderate index, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during high-risk months, including wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing, especially when the index is at its peak.
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 |
| Fray Bentos | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 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 |