Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ribeira Grande, Portugal, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike mitigate the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. This coastal town, characterized by its Cfb climate, experiences a range of UV exposure, peaking as high as 10 during midday. With such intense levels, it's essential to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to enjoy the beautiful sun safely.
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 |
| Ribeira Grande | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |