Last updated: June 2, 2025
Living in Ponta do Sol, Cabo Verde, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful rays. With the region's BWh climate, residents and visitors alike experience intense sun exposure, especially during peak hours. The UV Index can soar to a maximum of 12 at noon, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and promote overall skin health, ensuring your time in the sun is enjoyable and safe. Don't let the sun catch you off guard—monitor the UV Index and safeguard your skin!
The UV Index exhibited a dramatic rise throughout the morning, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00 and reaching a peak of 12 between 12:00 and 13:00. This midday sun intensity underscores the importance of protection against harmful UV rays. As the afternoon wore on, the index gradually declined, dipping to 8 at 15:00 and then tapering down to 2 by 17:00. By the evening, the UV Index settled back to 1, signaling a return to safer levels. Overall, it was a day that emphasized both the power of the sun and the need for mindful exposure.
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV Index levels show significant seasonal variations, with the highest readings occurring from February through October, indicating a period of extreme exposure. Specifically, months like March, April, May, August, and September reach a peak UV Index of 13, warranting caution as the burn time is only 10 minutes. January and February also present high risks with UV Index values of 9 and 11, respectively, while November and December return to a very high risk, but with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. It is imperative for visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during these high-risk months, to mitigate the risk of UV damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Santa Maria UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
Ponta do Sol | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 |
Mindelo UVI | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 |
Cova Figueira UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Santa Cruz UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Praia UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |