Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Vila do Conde, Portugal, where the sun's intensity can vary significantly throughout the day. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With a temperate climate typical of the Csb zone, Vila do Conde experiences high UV exposure, particularly around midday, when values peak at 9. This highlights the importance of monitoring the UV Index to safeguard your skin while enjoying the vibrant outdoor lifestyle this beautiful coastal town offers.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts low at 1 from 7:00 AM and remains at this safe level until 9:00 AM. However, as the day progresses, it climbs notably, peaking at 9 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With a maximum reading of 8 at 12:00 PM, it's crucial to take precautions. By late afternoon, specifically at 4:00 PM, the UV Index begins its descent, falling to 6, and continues to decrease to a low of 1 by 7:00 PM. As you enjoy your day, remember to protect your skin 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 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vila do Conde | 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 |