Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sao Vicente, Portugal, is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With high UV levels peaking at 10 during the midday hours, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to be aware of their sun exposure risks. Sao Vicente, characterized by its Mediterranean climate, often experiences sunny days that can lead to increased UV radiation. By grasping the significance of UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and enjoy the sun safely, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable outdoor experience.
The UV Index (UVI) follows a distinct pattern throughout the day, starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity increases, reaching 2 by 09:00. The real surge occurs between 10:00 and 13:00, where it climbs sharply to its peak of 10 at 13:00 and 14:00, indicating extremely high levels of UV radiation. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 4 by 17:00, then settling back to a comfortable 1 by 19:00. For those enjoying outdoor activities, it’s crucial to take precautions between 11:00 and 15:00 when the UVI is at its highest.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
| Sao Vicente | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |