Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Tarrafal, Cabo Verde, where the warm, BWh climate brings plenty of sunshine but also increased risks of harmful ultraviolet radiation. By grasping daily UV levels, you can effectively protect yourself from sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring your outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. Notably, UV levels peak between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, with readings soaring to a maximum of 12, signaling the importance of vigilance during these hours. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to shield your skin from excessive sunlight, allowing you to relish the beauty of Tarrafal without compromise.
The UV Index today presents a notable ascent as the sun reaches its zenith. Starting from a modest 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to 2 by 08:00. The real surge begins by 09:00, where it hits 5, and peaks at a striking 12 between 12:00 and 13:00. This intense period signals a vital awareness for sun protection! As the day progresses, the index drops steadily, descending to 10 at 14:00 before tapering off to 7 at 15:00, and dwindling down to 1 by 18:00 and flatlining at 0 by 19:00. Be mindful of peak hours for sun exposure, especially during the late morning to early afternoon when UV intensity is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels show significant seasonal variation, with particularly high-risk months spanning from February to October, where the UV Index often reaches values of 11 to 14. The most intense periods occur from March to September, during which exposure categories are classified as extreme, and the burn time is as little as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. January, November, and December still present risks with very high exposure categories, albeit with longer burn times of 15 minutes. It's essential to stay informed and protect your skin throughout the year to minimize risks associated with UV exposure.
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 |
| 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 |
| Tarrafal | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 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 |