Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sliema, Malta is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health under the Mediterranean sun. Knowledge of UV levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention, ensuring that you enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery without the risk of skin damage. With Sliema's Csa climate, characterized by warm, sun-soaked days, residents and visitors alike face heightened exposure risks, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can reach as high as 10. Stay informed and take the right precautions to enjoy the sunshine 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sliema | 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 |