Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sines, Portugal is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As this coastal town enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by sunny summers and mild winters, UV exposure can be significant, particularly during the peak hours of 11 AM to 3 PM when the index can soar to a high of 10. Being aware of UV levels helps residents and visitors prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, making sun safety a vital aspect of enjoying outdoor activities in this beautiful region. With the UV Index fluctuating throughout the day, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in your sun health.
The UV Index chart reveals a dynamic daily pattern of solar intensity. Starting early in the day, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 by 08:00. However, as the sun reaches its zenith, the index surges dramatically—hitting 7 by 11:00 and soaring to a maximum of 10 between 13:00 and 14:00. This signals a critical window for sun exposure, where protection is essential. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping to 4 by 17:00, before tapering off to 1 again by evening. To stay safe, it's vital to be cautious during those 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 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels display significant variation, peaking during the summer months. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April through September, with UV Index values reaching their peak at 11 in June, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these months, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. During lower UV months, specifically January, February, November, and December, while risks are moderate, it's still wise to remain vigilant as UV rays can still cause harm. Being informed about UV Index levels can help ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience year-round.
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 |
| Sines | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |