Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its Mediterranean climate, this charming city experiences significant sun exposure, making it vital to recognize the daily fluctuations in UV levels. Knowing when the UV Index peaks—especially during midday hours when it can reach a severe 11—can help you take essential precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Whether you're enjoying the beautiful beaches or exploring the vibrant local culture, keeping an eye on UV levels is key to enjoying the sun safely in Caldas da Rainha.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases an intriguing pattern of intensity. Starting low at 07:00 and 08:00, with a manageable score of 1, the sun's rays gradually intensify. By 09:00, the index climbs to 3, hinting at a warmer day ahead. The peak arrives at noon, hitting a striking 9, and just a little later, the UVI reaches its zenith at 13:00 and 14:00, both at an impressive 11. As the afternoon progresses, the UV exposure starts to wane, dipping to 9 at 15:00 and further decreasing to 5 by 17:00. The evening cools down significantly, with the index returning to the comfortable levels of 3 at 18:00 and finally resting at 1 by 19:00. Stay protected and enjoy the sun, especially 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 | 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 |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, with notable increases during the warmer months. High-risk months include April through September, when the UV Index reaches its peak, particularly in June at an extreme level of 11. During these months, the burn time shortens dramatically, with a maximum exposure of just 10 minutes in June to avoid skin damage. Conversely, the winter months of January, February, November, and December exhibit a moderate risk, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk period, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM when UV radiation is the strongest.
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 |
| Caldas da Rainha | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |