Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Leca da Palmeira, Portugal, a beautiful coastal destination known for its mild Csb climate. With UV levels peaking around midday—reaching a maximum of 9 at 1 PM—being aware of these ratings is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. Emphasizing the importance of understanding UV exposure can help you enjoy the sunny days while protecting yourself from the risks associated with high UV levels, particularly during the summer months when outdoor activity is at its peak. Stay informed and safeguard your skin while enjoying all that Leca da Palmeira has to offer!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a striking peak in intensity. Early morning hours, from 07:00 to 09:00, maintain a mild level of 1 to 3, making sun protection less critical. As the clock strikes 10:00, the index rises to 4, signaling a cautionary note for sun exposure. By 11:00, it escalates dramatically to 7, and at 12:00, it reaches a blistering 8, indicating high risk. The intensity continues to soar, peaking at 9 between 13:00 and 14:00, prompting a need for robust sun safety measures. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index gently declines to 7 at 16:00, before tapering off to 4 by 17:00, and finally receding to 1 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of vigilant sun protection during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. January and December feature low UV levels (Index 2), with relatively safe burn times of 45 minutes. As we transition to February (Index 4, moderate), precautions become necessary, as the burn time shortens to 30 minutes. The highest risk months for UV exposure are from March to September, with May and June reaching the peak UV Index of 10, where the burn time drops drastically to just 15 minutes—a clear warning for outdoor activities. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during these months, practicing sun safety measures such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen. As fall approaches, UV levels decrease, easing the risk slightly, but October and November still warrant caution due to moderate to high UV exposure. Always stay informed and protect your skin, especially during the high-risk season!
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leca da Palmeira | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| 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 |