Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Cruz do Bispo, Portugal, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from the sun's harmful effects. With peak UV levels reaching 10 in the afternoon, awareness can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. The coastal climate, characterized by its mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, also brings inherent risks of overexposure. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the sunny days while safeguarding their skin from potential damage.
The UV Index is a dynamic measure of solar intensity throughout the day, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a notable 9, reaching its zenith at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM with a maximum value of 10. During this period, it's essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Early morning hours remain quite low, peaking at just 1 by 08:00 AM, while by 10:00 AM the index climbs to 5. As the sun continues to rise, it climbs swiftly to 7 by 11:00 AM, making midday the crucial time for sunscreen and shade. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index gradually decreases, falling back to 5 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe return to outdoor activities. Stay vigilant and enjoy the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz do Bispo | 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 |