Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz, Portugal, where the sun shines bright and the risks of UV exposure can be significant. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but is also vital for maintaining long-term skin health. With a Csb climate, Santa Cruz experiences mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, particularly during midday when the UV levels soar. Peak values can reach an intense 11 between 1 PM and 3 PM, emphasizing the need for proactive sun protection strategies to safeguard against harmful UV radiation. Stay informed and enjoy the beautiful skies of Santa Cruz safely!
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 |
| Santa Cruz | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |