Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Espargos, Cabo Verde, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you avoid sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage, especially in a climate known for its warm temperatures and abundant sunshine. With peak UV Index values soaring to 12 between noon and 1 PM, the risk of overexposure rises dramatically during these hours. By staying informed about UV exposure, you can enjoy the beautiful sun while ensuring your skin remains healthy and protected.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, making it an easy start for early risers. By 9:00 AM, the index climbs to 4, signaling the day is warming up. The peak intensity hits at 12:00 PM, with a daunting 12—a reminder to protect your skin! As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and sinking to 5 by 4:00 PM. The evening brings relief as the value dwindles back down to 1 by 6:00 PM, with 0 darkness settling in by 7:00 PM. With such fluctuating UV levels, don’t forget your sunscreen during those peak hours!
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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reveal a significant increase in UV Index levels, particularly from March to September, where the index consistently reaches extreme levels. The months of March, April, May, August, and September are identified as high-risk months due to their peak UV Index values, allowing for a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade wherever possible. In contrast, January, February, November, and December feature very high UV levels but with longer burn times of 15 minutes, suggesting that while still caution is needed, the risk is somewhat reduced. It's essential to remain vigilant about UV exposure throughout the year to ensure skin health and safety.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Espargos | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
Santa Maria UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 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 |