Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Poiares, Portugal, where the combination of a Mediterranean climate and significant sunlight exposure can contribute to varied UV levels throughout the day. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin from harmful sunburns and long-term health issues. With peak UV levels typically reaching dangerous highs around midday—peaking at an impressive 11—knowing the levels can help you enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin. Stay informed and safe under the lovely Portuguese sun!
As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index takes a dramatic leap throughout the day. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it gradually rises to 3 by 09:00. The real intensity kicks in later, peaking at an impressive 11 around 13:00, a critical time when sun protection is essential. From there, a gradual decline begins, with readings of 10 at 14:00, 9 at 15:00, and tapering off to 3 by 18:00. Finally, the day winds down, returning to 1 by 19:00. It’s a vivid reminder of how important it is to safeguard against UV exposure during the sun’s most potent 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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, seasonal changes in UV Index reveal significant fluctuations in sun exposure and risk levels. The months of March through September present the highest UV levels, with April through June reaching the peak UV Index of 11 in June, categorized as extreme, while May and July also remain dangerously high. High-risk months for sunburn are clearly identified as April to September, where the burn time decreases sharply to as little as 10 minutes in June. As such, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautionary measures during these months. This includes wearing sunscreen, donning protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, particularly from late morning to mid-afternoon, to mitigate skin damage and health risks associated with UV exposure.
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 |
| Poiares | 3 | 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 |