Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Santa Cruz das Flores, Portugal, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. Awareness of UV levels helps you protect yourself during the sunniest hours of the day, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the index peaks at a significant 10. With its Cfb climate, Santa Cruz enjoys mild temperatures and vibrant sunshine, creating an appealing backdrop for outdoor activities. However, this means that even on seemingly moderate days, UV exposure can pose serious risks. Stay informed and take proactive steps to safeguard your skin while enjoying the beauty of this breathtaking island.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise in solar intensity, peaking at 10 between 2 PM and 3 PM. Starting from a mild 1 early in the morning, it progressively climbs, reaching 6 by 11 AM and hitting a summery 9 by 1 PM. With the sun at its zenith around noon, a notable 8 marks the transition to peak UV exposure. As afternoon settles in, the index gently descends, dipping to 5 by 5 PM and tapering off to a more manageable 2 by 7 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of protective measures during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with March through September being the highest risk months for UV exposure. In March, the index rises to 7 (high), escalating sharply to 11 (extreme) by June. The months of April and May also feature very high levels at 8 and 10, respectively, indicating that sun protection is crucial. Notably, July and August maintain very high levels before tapering off in September at 8. To safeguard against skin damage, visitors and residents are advised to limit sun exposure during these peak months, especially when the burn time is as low as 10-15 minutes. Wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade are essential practices, particularly from late spring through summer when UV radiation is most intense. In contrast, the months of January, February, November, and December present a lower risk with moderate indexes, allowing for more lenient sun exposure precautions.
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 |
| Santa Cruz das Flores | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |