Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Fgura, Malta, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from the sun's harmful effects. With the Mediterranean climate yielding long, sunny days, the UV exposure can reach significant levels, especially during the peak hours from 11 AM to 3 PM where indices soar as high as 9. Being aware of these UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage associated with high ultraviolet radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, peaking at 9 around 12:00 PM. The morning starts off gently, with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it surges to 5, transitioning into the more intense rays of midday. Hours between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM showcase the highest exposure, consistently hitting 9, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. As the afternoon wanes, the index gently descends, decreasing to 7 by 3:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by the evening hours, reminding us that while the sun is powerful at its peak, it also retreats gracefully. Enjoy your day under the sun, but 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV Index highlight varying risks of sun exposure. High-risk months are particularly evident from April to July, with the UV Index peaking at 11 in July, categorizing it as extreme; during this time, burn time is significantly reduced to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant, especially between March and September when the UV Index frequently reaches high to very high levels. It is recommended to take protective measures such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize skin damage. Conversely, from October to February, the UV Index drops to moderate levels, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes in January and November. However, caution is still advised during sunny days.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Pawl il-Bahar UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Zabbar UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Mosta UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Qormi UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Birkirkara UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Fgura | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |