Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ribeira Brava, Portugal, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and promoting overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage, making it vital for both locals and visitors. Nestled in a Csb climate zone, Ribeira Brava enjoys a mild oceanic climate, but its UV exposure can peak significantly during midday hours, reaching levels as high as 11. So whether you’re lounging on the beach or hiking through picturesque landscapes, staying informed about the UV Index is key to enjoying the sun safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady ascent. At 07:00, it starts at a tranquil 0, but by 08:00, it nudges up to 1, signaling the need for a bit of caution. The climb continues, reaching 2 by 09:00, and quickly ramps up to 3 by 10:00. The real intensity hits at 11:00, with a spike to 6, and by 12:00, it soars to 8. The peak occurs at 13:00 with a striking 10, making midday the most sun-sensitive time. It escalates slightly to 11 at 14:00, before gradually tapering off to 10 at 15:00. By late afternoon, the UV Index drops to 8 at 16:00, 6 at 17:00, and settles down to 3 by 18:00. As the day fades, it continues to decline, ending at a gentle 2 by 19:00. This pattern shows the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months primarily occurring from March to August when values reach their peak. Notably, May through July feature extreme UV Index levels (11-12), with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. This indicates that during these months, individuals should take extra precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Conversely, in January and December, with a moderate UV Index of 4, burn times extend to 30 minutes, suggesting lower risk for sunburn. Visitors and residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and adjust their sun exposure habits in accordance with these fluctuations throughout the year to protect their skin health.
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 |
| Ribeira Brava | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |