Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Mercedes, Uruguay, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn, minimize the risk of skin damage, and maintain long-term skin health. With its Cfa climate, Mercedes experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at a moderate level of 4 around midday. As you enjoy the sunny outdoors, keeping an eye on the UV Index is essential to ensure safe sun habits and protect your loved ones from harmful rays.
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
12:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
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 |
Mercedes | 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 |