Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Horta, Portugal, is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. Horta, nestled in the lush Azores, experiences a Cfb climate, bringing mild weather but also significant UV exposure, especially during summer months. As UV levels peak around midday, reaching a maximum of 10 at 1 PM, being aware of the UV Index can help you take necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful sunshine safely. Stay informed and protect your skin; after all, a little awareness goes a long way in preventing long-term damage!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and remaining steady through 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, but as the day progresses, the intensity skyrockets. At 10:00 AM, it hits 4, and by midday, the UV Index soars to a peak of 10 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM—a clear indication to seek shade and wear sunscreen. After this peak, it gradually dips to 9 by 3:00 PM, continuing its descent to 5 at 5:00 PM, and finally, the UV levels soften to 1 as evening falls at 7:00 PM. This day exemplifies the sun's potent rays, reminding us to stay vigilant during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, with highest risks typically occurring from April to September. During these months, especially in June when the UV index reaches an extreme level of 11, the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during this period, taking necessary precautions such as applying sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. Conversely, during the winter months from January to March, the UV levels are substantially lower, categorized as moderate to high, allowing for safer outdoor activities with burn times ranging from 25 to 30 minutes. It’s crucial to remain aware of these seasonal changes to protect skin health throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braga UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Porto UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Amadora UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Lisbon UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Setubal UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Horta | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |