Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the picturesque town of São Mateus, Portugal, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding the daily UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and mitigate long-term skin damage—especially during peak hours when the index rises significantly, with values reaching as high as 10 around midday. The Csb climate of São Mateus brings mild summers but also carries a risk of intense UV radiation. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you empower yourself to enjoy the sunny outdoors responsibly and protect your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily throughout the morning, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and peaking at 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. This signifies a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, urging folks to seek shade and slather on the sunscreen. Hours 10:00 and 11:00 see a sharp increase to 4 and 6, while midday brings the highest intensity at 8 and 10, marking a crucial time for sun safety. As afternoon transitions to evening, the index gradually declines, offering some relief, landing at 3 by 18:00. By nightfall, the risk wanes, falling back to 2. Remember, keeping aware of this UV trend is vital for staying safe in the sun!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | 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 |
| Sao Mateus | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |