Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Porto da Cruz, Portugal, is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health, especially in this picturesque coastal town. With its Csb climate, Porto da Cruz enjoys a mild Mediterranean atmosphere, but this also means varying UV exposure throughout the day. As the UV Index peaks between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, reaching values as high as 11, awareness of these levels is crucial for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. By monitoring the UV Index, residents and visitors can make informed decisions to protect themselves from harmful effects while enjoying the sun-soaked beauty of this stunning locale.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the day's intensity, starting from a calm 0 at 7:00 AM and gradually building momentum. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 2, but the real surge comes as the sun climbs higher. At 11:00 AM, the index spikes to 6, followed by an impressive 8 at noon. The peak hits an exhilarating 11 at 2:00 PM—a reminder that sunscreen is a must! The intensity starts to wane thereafter, dropping to 6 at 5:00 PM and easing to 4 by 6:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV rays fade, settling at a delicate 2 by 7:00 PM. Always stay sun-smart and enjoy the brightness!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
| Porto da Cruz | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |