Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Porto da Cruz, Portugal is essential for protecting your skin and overall health, especially under the region's mild yet sun-kissed climate. With UV levels peaking at a significant 11 during midday hours, awareness of these ratings is crucial for sunburn prevention and long-term skin care. As this picturesque coastal town enjoys sunny days typical of a Csb climate, being informed about UV exposure risks enables residents and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities safely while minimizing damage from harmful rays. So, whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring the stunning landscapes, keep an eye on the UV Index to ensure a healthy sun experience!
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs throughout the morning, peaking at a moderate 1 at 07:00 and staying steady until it hits 2 by 09:00. The real intensity, however, begins around 10:00, reaching 3, and suddenly surges to a striking 8 at noon. From 13:00 to 15:00, the UV Index reaches its maximum of 11, signifying a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Fortunately, this peak subsides in the late afternoon, dropping to 6 by 17:00 and gently tapering off to a safer 2 by 19:00. It’s essential to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | 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 |