Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz, Portugal, where the sun's rays can be especially intense during peak hours. Awareness of UV levels can greatly assist in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, allowing you to fully enjoy the sunny climate without risking your well-being. With typical UV exposure peaking at 11 around midday, it’s essential to stay informed about the local climate, which features a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen will help you enjoy Santa Cruz’s beautiful beaches while keeping your skin safe and protected.
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 |
| Santa Cruz | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |