Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zebbug, Malta, where the sun's intensity can significantly impact your skin health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 during the midday hours, awareness of these levels is vital for preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage. As a region characterized by its Mediterranean climate, Zebbug experiences a sun-soaked environment that poses considerable UV exposure risks, especially in the summer months. Stay informed, plan your outdoor activities wisely, and protect your skin to enjoy the beautiful Maltese sun safely!
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00 as the sun rises. The warmth intensifies, reaching 4 at 09:00 and peaking at a significant 10 between noon and 14:00, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to dip, settling at 8 by 15:00 before tapering off further to 5 at 16:00. By the evening, the UV levels gracefully descend back to 2 at 18:00 and return to a safe 1 by 19:00, marking a day's journey through varying sun exposure. Be mindful of the midday sun, and stay protected 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk occurring during the summer months of June and July. Visitors and residents should take note that from March to August, UV exposure escalates, peaking at an extreme level of 11 in July, where the burn time is only 10 minutes. The high-risk months include April and May, both with a UV Index of 9, and the very high categories remain consistent through to September. In contrast, the winter months of January, February, November, and December see a decrease in UV intensity, with indices dropping to the moderate category. To protect against harmful UV exposure, it is advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen during high-index periods, particularly from March to September.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zebbug | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |