Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Belen, Uruguay, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially given the region’s Cfa climate, which exposes residents to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. With peak UV Index readings reaching up to 5 around midday, it's essential to stay informed and take proactive measures—like applying sunscreen or seeking shade—to safeguard your well-being and enjoy the beautiful Uruguayan sun safely.
Starting the day with a UVI of 0 at 7:00 AM, the sun gradually begins to reveal its strength. By 10:00 AM, it ticks up to a moderate level of 2, before reaching a peak of 5 at noon and 1:00 PM, highlighting the midday sun's intensity. As the afternoon progresses, UV indices start to decline, with a 4 at 2:00 PM, gradually falling to 3 by 3:00 PM, and tapering down to 1 by 5:00 PM. The sun sets with a soft glow around 7:00 PM, marking a return to a UVI of 0. It's a day where sun safety is crucial during peak hours; protect your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 show significant fluctuations, with January to March marked by extreme exposure (UV Index 15 to 12) and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As we move into April, the risk decreases slightly to a very high level (UV Index 9) with a 15-minute burn time, followed by a further drop in May to high (UV Index 6) and 25 minutes of burn time. The summer months—June and July—offer moderate UV levels (UV Index 4 and 5), allowing for 30 minutes of sun exposure, but the risk rises again in August (UV Index 7, high, 25 minutes). September returns to very high exposure (UV Index 9), while in October and November, the UV index returns to extreme levels (UV Index 12 and 14), with a consistent 10-minute burn time. Finally, December remains in the extreme category (UV Index 14). Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months from January to March and again from October to December, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors.
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 |
| Salto UVI | 15 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Belen | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| Rivera UVI | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |