Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Machico, Portugal is crucial for both residents and visitors alike. With a Mediterranean climate, the region experiences varying UV levels that can significantly impact your skin health. Awareness of these levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours when the index reaches a maximum of 11 around noon. As you enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Machico, keeping an eye on UV exposure risks is essential for safe sun enjoyment and overall wellness.
The UV Index shows a dramatic upward trend as the morning progresses, starting from a manageable 1 at both 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it rises to 2, but the real climb begins around 10:00 AM with a sharp increase to 4. The peak arrives between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, where the index soars to a maximum of 11—a strong reminder of the sun’s intensity during midday. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to drop, falling back to 9 by 4:00 PM and gently decreasing to 2 by 7:00 PM. It’s a day where sun protection is essential from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM when the UV levels are at their highest. Stay safe and embrace the sun wisely!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, ultraviolet (UV) exposure fluctuates significantly, necessitating awareness among residents and visitors. From January to April, the UV Index begins to rise, starting at a moderate level of 4 and peaking at 10 in April, indicating a shift to very high exposure. The months of May through August present the highest risk, with the UV Index consistently at an extreme 11, where the burn time reduces to just 10 minutes. Following this peak, September and October see a slight decrease, with the UV Index returning to 10 and 8, respectively, both still classified as very high. By November and December, levels drop back down to high and moderate categories with indices of 6 and 4, allowing for safer outdoor activities but still requiring caution. Residents and visitors should take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months of May to August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of UV damage.
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 |
| Machico | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |