Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the charming town of Alcanena, Portugal, being aware of the UV Index is vital for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the daily UV levels helps residents and visitors alike protect themselves from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure, particularly during peak hours. With a Mediterranean climate, Alcanena experiences heightened UV risks, especially around midday when the index can soar to 10. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sunshine while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic portrait of solar intensity. Early morning hours from 7:00 to 8:00 maintain a gentle glow with a consistent level of 1, suggesting low sun exposure risk. As the day progresses, a noticeable shift occurs; by 9:00, the index climbs to 3, marking the onset of stronger rays. The peak is reached at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where the UV Index soars to an intense 10, indicating very high exposure risk, making sun protection vital. Post-peak, from 3:00 PM onward, the index gradually declines, settling to 5 by 5:00 PM and dwindling further to low levels of 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of being sun-smart during those midday hours when UV radiation is strongest.
| 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 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations, highlighting the importance of sun safety for both visitors and residents. High-risk months for skin exposure occur from April to September, with May and June reaching the highest levels at a UV Index of 10 and 11, categorized as very high and extreme, respectively, where burn times can be as short as 10 minutes. As the warmer months approach, individuals should take necessary precautions, such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours. As winter arrives in December and January, the UV Index decreases to 3 and 4, indicating a moderate risk, but protection remains essential to prevent skin damage. By being mindful of these seasonal UV changes, everyone can enjoy outdoor activities safely throughout the year.
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 |
| Alcanena | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |