Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Vidigueira, Portugal, as it plays a significant role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With its Mediterranean climate, Vidigueira experiences high UV levels, especially during peak hours. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take necessary precautions to safeguard your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful sunny days without compromising your health. During late morning to early afternoon, UV levels can soar to 10, indicating an increased risk for sunburn—making it even more essential to stay informed and protected.
Throughout the day, the UV Index showcases a striking progression in intensity. Starting from a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index peaks at an impressive 10 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating the highest risk for skin damage. Following this midday surge, it gently tapers off, dipping back to 5 by 5:00 PM and finally settling at 1 as dusk approaches at 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM when UV exposure can be most harmful.
| 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 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, which indicates the potential for skin damage due to solar radiation. High-risk months for UV exposure occur from March to September, peaking in June with an extreme UV Index of 11, where burn time is as little as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, particularly during midday hours. A significant drop in UV exposure occurs from October to February, where the levels generally remain moderate to high, and burn times increase to 30 minutes in January and November. Staying informed about the UV Index can help ensure safe outdoor activities 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 |
| Vidigueira | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |