Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Azinhaga, Portugal, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburns. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions against harmful solar radiation, especially during the peak hours of 11 AM to 3 PM when the UV Index peaks at a staggering 11—a level that signifies extreme risk for skin damage. With Azinhaga's Mediterranean climate offering plenty of sunshine, it's essential to recognize these daily fluctuations in UV exposure to safeguard your skin and enjoy the outdoors safely. Whether you're taking a stroll or basking in the sun, keeping an eye on the UV Index can make all the difference in protecting your health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. However, by 09:00, it jumps to 3 and continues to climb rapidly, reaching a significant 8 by 11:00. High noon brings the peak UV index of 10 at 12:00, followed by an intense 11 from 13:00 to 14:00, signaling a critical time for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index starts to decline, dropping to 9 at 15:00, then decreasing to 7 at 16:00 and 5 by 17:00. Post-sunset, the index falls sharply to 3 at 18:00 and settles back at 1 as the day concludes at 19:00. This data underscores the importance of staying shielded from midday sun when the UV radiation is at its 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, impacting sun exposure and potential skin damage. The high-risk months, identified by an increased UV Index, are April through August, where levels reach a concerning 8 to 11, categorized as either very high to extreme. Notably, June exhibits the peak UV Index of 11, necessitating vigilant sun protection. Residents and visitors are advised to minimize sun exposure during these months, seeking shade and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, especially during peak hours. In contrast, winter months like January, November, and December present a moderate risk with an UV Index of 3 to 4, allowing for more lenient outdoor activities while still practicing sun safety.
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 |
| Azinhaga | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 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 |