Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Ta' Xbiex, Malta, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps you better plan your outdoor activities, especially during the summer months when the sun's rays are particularly strong. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by long, hot summers, Ta' Xbiex experiences peak UV Index values reaching as high as 11 around midday, posing significant risks to unprotected skin. Stay informed and protect yourself by checking the UV Index before heading out, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful Maltese sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00, gradually escalating throughout the morning. By 10:00, it peaks at a robust 6, and then skyrockets to its maximum of 11 by 13:00—a time when protective measures become essential. The intensity starts to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 8 at 15:00, and further retreating to a gentle 1 by evening. It's a classic case of the sun's power, reminding us to stay vigilant and shield ourselves 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ta' Xbiex | 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 |