Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Maracaibo, Venezuela, where the sun shines brightly in its tropical Aw climate. With UV levels reaching as high as 13 during midday hours, the risk of sunburn and long-term skin health issues is significant. Awareness of these UV levels not only helps in preventing skin damage but also empowers individuals to make informed decisions about sun safety. As Maracaibo experiences intense sun exposure, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, staying vigilant about the UV Index can lead to healthier habits and a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
The UV Index on this particular day exhibits a striking pattern, peaking at 13 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Rising steadily from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it escalates sharply to 11 by 11:00 AM and reaches its zenith at noon. After this intense midday exposure, the index begins to decline, falling to 5 by 4:00 PM, then gradually tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM. It's a clear reminder to stay protected during those peak hours, especially when the sun is highest in the sky!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows a consistent pattern of extremely high values from January through October, with indexes ranging from 11 to 14 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes, indicating a significant risk for skin damage. The highest months for UV exposure are March (UV Index 14) and April (UV Index 13), making them particularly high-risk periods. From November onward, while the UV Index decreases slightly to a very high level of 10, the burn time increases to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the peak hours of solar exposure to minimize skin damage throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maracaibo | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
Valencia UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
Maracay UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
Barquisimeto UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 |
Caracas UVI | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |