Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Barcelos, Portugal is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As a region characterized by a Csb climate, Barcelos experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, with peak indexes reaching as high as 11 during midday hours. Being aware of these levels allows residents and visitors to take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With outdoor activities often encouraged by the beautiful Portuguese scenery, recognizing the importance of UV protection can help ensure you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing health risks.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. However, by 09:00, it jumps to 3 and continues to climb rapidly, reaching a significant 8 by 11:00. High noon brings the peak UV index of 10 at 12:00, followed by an intense 11 from 13:00 to 14:00, signaling a critical time for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index starts to decline, dropping to 9 at 15:00, then decreasing to 7 at 16:00 and 5 by 17:00. Post-sunset, the index falls sharply to 3 at 18:00 and settles back at 1 as the day concludes at 19:00. This data underscores the importance of staying shielded from midday sun when the UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 levels, which significantly impact skin safety for both visitors and residents. The UV Index starts low in January (2) and December (2), indicating a low risk for sunburn. However, as we move into the spring and summer months, particularly from March (6) to August (9), the risk escalates, with April (8) and the peak in June (11) classified as extreme. The high-risk months are primarily from April through August, where burn times are notably short, especially in June, with only 10 minutes until skin damage occurs. It is crucial for individuals during these months to take necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours. As fall approaches, the UV Index gradually decreases, but awareness remains essential for safe outdoor activities.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelos | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| 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 |