Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Senglea, Malta is vital for safeguarding your skin and overall health from the sun's harmful rays. Elevated UV levels can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer, making it crucial to stay informed. Senglea’s Mediterranean climate often results in high UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index peaks at 10 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. By learning about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the sunny days in this beautiful coastal town.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senglea | 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 |