Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Alcantarilha, Portugal is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining your overall health under the sun. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 during the summer months, awareness of these levels helps you prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. Alcantarilha's Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, sunny days, exposes residents and visitors to significant UV risks, especially around midday. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful weather while taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin.
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 index levels, with highest risks typically occurring from April to September. During these months, especially in June when the UV index reaches an extreme level of 11, the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during this period, taking necessary precautions such as applying sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. Conversely, during the winter months from January to March, the UV levels are substantially lower, categorized as moderate to high, allowing for safer outdoor activities with burn times ranging from 25 to 30 minutes. It’s crucial to remain aware of these seasonal changes to protect skin health throughout the year.
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 |
| Alcantarilha | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |