Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Faro, Portugal, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With a warm Mediterranean climate (Csa) that boasts plenty of sunny days, the UV exposure levels can quickly rise, peaking at a dangerous 10 during midday hours. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can better gauge when to seek shade, apply sunscreen, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. Your skin will thank you for being UV aware!
The UV Index is a dynamic measure of solar intensity throughout the day, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a notable 9, reaching its zenith at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM with a maximum value of 10. During this period, it's essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Early morning hours remain quite low, peaking at just 1 by 08:00 AM, while by 10:00 AM the index climbs to 5. As the sun continues to rise, it climbs swiftly to 7 by 11:00 AM, making midday the crucial time for sunscreen and shade. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index gradually decreases, falling back to 5 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe return to outdoor activities. Stay vigilant and enjoy the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 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 |
| Faro | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |