August 12, 2026 · Quito, Ecuador
Capital1,399,814 people
See today's UV index in Quito hour by hour below. The UV index shows how strong the sun's ultraviolet radiation is — the higher the number, the faster skin can burn. Values are calculated for Quito's coordinates and updated daily.
UV has dropped for today
Protection windowClear sky
Daylight: sunrise 06:17 – sunset 18:23
Tomorrow: UV 12 at its peak around 12:00
The UV index in Quito peaks at 13 (extreme) around 12:00 today. Sun protection is recommended between 08:24 and 15:41, while the index stays at 3 or above. Tomorrow the index is forecast to peak at 12 around 12:00.
| Time | UV index | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | 0 | Low |
| 07:00 | 0.4 | Low |
| 08:00 | 1.9 | Low |
| 09:00 | 4.7 | Moderate |
| 10:00 | 8.5 | Very high |
| 11:00 | 11.2 | Extreme |
| 12:00 | 12.5 | Extreme |
| 13:00 | 11.7 | Extreme |
| 14:00 | 9.1 | Very high |
| 15:00 | 4.9 | Moderate |
| 16:00 | 2.1 | Low |
| 17:00 | 0.6 | Low |
| 18:00 | 0.1 | Low |
| 19:00 | 0 | Low |
Quito lies at 0°S. The midday sun reaches 74.9° above the horizon in Quito today, and twice a year it passes straight overhead. Elevation is what sets the ceiling for UV, and over Quito it is so steep that the rays take the shortest possible path through the atmosphere, and the index can reach extreme values.
The UV index is an international scale describing the strength of the sun's ultraviolet radiation at ground level. It starts at 0 and is effectively open-ended — at mid-latitudes it rarely exceeds 8, while in the tropics and high in the mountains it can pass 11. The higher the number, the less time it takes to get sunburnt.
The UV index depends mainly on how high the sun is in the sky. That is why it peaks around solar noon and is greatest in summer near the longest day of the year. Clouds, ozone, altitude and reflection from snow or water also affect the value.
| UV index | Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Low | No special protection needed. |
| 3–5 | Moderate | Use sunscreen (SPF 30+), seek shade around midday. |
| 6–7 | High | Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Avoid the sun 12:00–15:00. |
| 8–10 | Very high | Extra protection. Limit midday sun exposure. |
| 11+ | Extreme | Avoid the sun at midday. Full protection required. |