Last updated: June 2, 2025
Living in Ponta Delgada, Portugal, understanding the UV Index is essential for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With an average climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers, residents and visitors alike should be diligent about monitoring UV levels, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM, when they peak at 11. This knowledge empowers you to take protective measures during your outdoor activities, safeguarding against the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. Stay informed and enjoy the beautiful Azorean sun safely!
From 07:00 to 08:00, the UV Index remains low at 1, making it a safe time for morning activities. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs to 3 by 09:00, reminding you to take some precautions. The intensity peaks around 12:00, hitting a scorching 10, while the following hour sees an even higher 11 at 13:00 and 14:00. This trio of hours is when sunscreen and protective clothing are essential. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 8 at 16:00 and trailing off to 5 by 17:00. As evening approaches, you can enjoy the outdoors again, with levels returning to 3 by 18:00 and settling back to 1 by 19:00. Stay protected during the peak hours, and enjoy the rest of your day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
| Ponta Delgada | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |