Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Valadares, Portugal, especially as the region's Mediterranean climate can expose individuals to significant sun rays throughout the day. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects skin health, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely. With UV Index readings peaking at 10 around noon, it's essential to take precautions during high-exposure hours to safeguard against harmful effects. As you explore the picturesque surroundings of Valadares, remember that the sun's intensity can vary — making UV awareness a key part of your daily routine.
The UV Index for the day showcases a striking ascent in intensity, peaking during the afternoon hours. Starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index swiftly climbs to reach 3 by 09:00. By 10:00, it escalates to a moderate 5, but the real surge occurs between 11:00 and 14:00, hitting a maximum of 10—indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the UV Index gradually drops, retracting to 4 by 17:00 and further declining to 1 by 19:00. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows a clear seasonal pattern, with increasing intensity from January to June and a gradual decline thereafter. March marks the transition to high risk, followed by extremely high levels in June (UV Index 11). April and May also present very high values (UV Index 9), making them critical months for sun exposure. From June to September, the UV Index remains predominantly in the very high category, indicating a heightened risk for sunburn and skin damage. Residents and visitors should take precautions, especially during April to September, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting time in direct sunlight, particularly during peak hours. As October and November roll in, UV levels decrease significantly, providing some relief, although it's still advisable to stay cautious with moderate UV levels in these months.
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 |
| Valadares | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 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 |