Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Montemor-o-Velho, Portugal, where sunny days are abundant. With a climate characterized by warm summers, knowing the UV levels can help you protect your skin from harmful solar radiation that can lead to sunburn and long-term health issues. During peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the UV Index can soar as high as 9, indicating a very high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the beautiful Portuguese sun while preserving your skin health and minimizing risks.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 07:00, providing a gentle start to the day. By 09:00, it picks up to 3, signaling the need for a bit more awareness. The real warmth comes at 10:00, with the index reaching 5, and it escalates quickly as noon approaches. By 12:00, we hit 8, and at 13:00, the UV index peaks at 9, marking the height of solar intensity. As the afternoon progresses, values remain high but start to dip slightly: 8 at 15:00 and then down to 6 by 16:00. As the sun begins to set, the index falls to 4 at 17:00 and finally drops back to 1 by evening, reminding us to bask in the sun wisely and protect our skin 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, with notable increases during the warmer months. January and February experience a moderate UV index of 3 and 4, allowing for a 30-minute burn time under the sun. As the seasons transition into March and onward, the risk escalates, peaking in June and July with a maximum UV index of 10—classifying these months as high-risk. During these summer months, individuals are advised to limit sun exposure to just 15 minutes to prevent skin damage. The trend continues with August and September maintaining high levels (UV index of 9 and 8 respectively) before tapering off in October (UV index 6) and returning to moderate levels in November and December (UV index of 4 and 2). Residents and visitors should prioritize sun protection, especially during the peak months of April through September.
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 |
| Montemor-o-Velho | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 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 |