Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Maria, Cabo Verde, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. With the BWh climate promoting high temperatures and extended hours of sunlight, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and safeguard skin health. During peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 13:00, the UV Index can reach extreme values of 10 to 11, indicating a significant risk for harmful effects from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about these UV levels is essential for enjoying the sun safely while minimizing potential health risks.
The UV Index for today paints a vivid picture of sun intensity throughout the hours. Starting at a gentle 1 by 07:00, the sun's influence grows stronger, peaking at 11 between noon and 13:00—an optimal time for sun safety practices. As the day progresses, the intensity gradually wanes, dropping to 7 by 15:00, before tapering off to 2 at 17:00 and finally fading to 0 by 19:00. With this data, it's clear: from 10:00 to 15:00, the sun is at its most potent, reminding us to stay protected while enjoying the outdoors!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking from March to October, where it reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13. The months of April, August, and September present the highest risk, with a UV Index of 13, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes in direct sunlight. Conversely, January, February, November, and December show a very high exposure category with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Given this data, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take extra precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from March through October. Sunscreen application, protective clothing, and seeking shade are highly recommended during peak UV hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria | 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 |