Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Buarcos, Portugal, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels can help you prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and promote long-term skin wellness. With a temperate oceanic climate (Csb) that often brings bright, sunny days, Buarcos sees peak UV levels soaring to 10 during the midday hours, highlighting the importance of monitoring these levels. By being informed, you can enjoy the sun safely while making the most of this beautiful coastal town.
The UV Index reveals a dramatic rise in sun exposure throughout the day, reaching its peak between 1 PM and 2 PM with a striking value of 10. Starting from a low of 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM, the intensity gradually escalates, hitting 4 by 10 AM and then surging to 7 at 11 AM. By noon, the index climbs to 8, and just an hour later, it reaches its maximum. As the afternoon wears on, it begins to taper off, descending to 9 at 3 PM, followed by a steady decline to 5 by 5 PM, and finally returning to 3 by 6 PM and 1 by 7 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of protecting yourself from strong UV rays, particularly during peak hours!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, highlighting varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from March to September, with April through August showing very high UV Index levels, peaking at 10 during June and July. In these months, the recommended burn time decreases to just 15 minutes, necessitating caution and preventive measures. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra care during these peak months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day. Conversely, during the winter months of January, February, November, and December, the UV Index remains at a moderate level, allowing for longer exposure times of approximately 30 minutes before burns may occur. While vigilance is always important, the risk of sunburn is significantly higher during late spring and summer, warranting additional sun safety 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 |
| Buarcos | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |