Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Valado de Frades, Portugal is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers, this small town often experiences elevated UV levels, particularly during peak hours. For instance, the UV Index can soar to 10 from noon to 2 PM, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, residents and visitors alike can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely, ensuring a vibrant outdoor lifestyle without compromising skin health.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic portrait of solar intensity. Early morning hours from 7:00 to 8:00 maintain a gentle glow with a consistent level of 1, suggesting low sun exposure risk. As the day progresses, a noticeable shift occurs; by 9:00, the index climbs to 3, marking the onset of stronger rays. The peak is reached at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where the UV Index soars to an intense 10, indicating very high exposure risk, making sun protection vital. Post-peak, from 3:00 PM onward, the index gradually declines, settling to 5 by 5:00 PM and dwindling further to low levels of 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of being sun-smart during those midday hours when UV radiation is strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 |
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 |
| Valado de Frades | 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 |