Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for anyone enjoying the sun in Costa Azul, Uruguay, where the temperate Cfa climate can lead to varying levels of UV radiation. With peak levels reaching 3 around midday, it’s essential to stay informed about these UV levels to protect your skin from sunburn and long-term damage. Awareness of the UV Index not only empowers residents and visitors to make better decisions for sun safety but also promotes overall skin health in this beautiful seaside locale. With typical exposure risks peaking during the late morning and early afternoon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference for your sun-soaked adventures in Costa Azul.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a gradual increase in sun intensity, peaking mid-afternoon. Starting at 0 at 07:00, the index rises to 1 by 08:00 and remains moderate at 1 for the following hour. As the sun ascends, the intensity reaches 2 by 10:00, climbing further to 3 at 11:00, sustaining this level until 14:00. After this peak, a gentle decline begins, with the index dropping to 2 at 15:00, and gradually easing back to 1 by 17:00, before retreating to 0 by 18:00. For anyone spending time outdoors, the late morning to early afternoon presents the highest UV exposure; thus, caution and sun protection are highly advisable during these hours.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels during the winter months. From January to March, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (14 to 11) with a dangerously low burn time of just 10 minutes, indicating a high risk of skin damage. April marks a decrease to a high level (7) with a burn time of 25 minutes, while May and June see moderate levels (5 to 3), allowing for slightly safer outdoor activities with burn times increasing to 30 minutes. August and September reflect a return to higher risk, with September jumping to a very high index of 8 and a burn time of 15 minutes. The year concludes with October and November returning to extreme levels (11 to 13) and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially during the high-risk months of January through March and October through November, ensuring proper sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses whenever exposed to the sun.
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 |
| Costa Azul | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 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 |