Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Pombal, Portugal, as this daily metric helps gauge the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 around midday, vigilance is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. Pombal's climate, classified as Csb, presents unique challenges with varying exposure risks throughout the day. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful Portuguese sun while safeguarding your skin and overall well-being.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear narrative of rising intensity, peaking in the afternoon. Starting at 1 by 07:00, the UV levels gradually ascend, reaching 5 by 10:00. By 11:00, the index climbs to 7, and it soars to a striking 10 at 13:00—the optimal time for sun precautions. The intensity slightly wanes thereafter, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and continuing down to 4 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index dwindles to 1 by 19:00, signaling a return to safer levels. This data underscores the importance of sun safety measures during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 14:00.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index and the associated risk of sunburn. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate (3-4) with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, in March, it escalates to high (6), reducing burn time to 25 minutes, signaling the start of increased caution. April and May are particularly high-risk months with very high indices (8-9) and short burn times of just 15 minutes. The intensity peaks in June at an extreme level (11), where unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. July and August follow closely with very high indices (9-10) and continued caution advised. A gradual decline starts in September (UV 8) and continues through October, where the risk decreases to high (6) before settling back to moderate in the late fall (November and December, UV 3-4). Residents and visitors are strongly advised to wear sun protection during high-risk months, especially from March through September, to reduce the risk of harmful 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 |
| Pombal | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 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 |