Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mqabba, Malta is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the sun. With a Mediterranean climate that features long, sunny days, awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of skin cancer. At peak times, such as midday when the UV Index reaches as high as 9, it's essential to take precautions. By monitoring these UV levels, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful Maltese weather while protecting their skin from harmful rays.
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 |
| Mqabba | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |