UV Index in Madrid, Mexico

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Madrid, Mexico, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With high UV levels, particularly around midday, awareness can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Madrid’s warm climate intensifies exposure during peak hours, with UV readings soaring to 14 around 2 PM. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely, ensuring your outdoor activities remain healthy and fun while minimizing the risks associated with UV radiation.

Hourly UV Index in Madrid

The UV Index throughout the day showcases a striking rise and fall in solar intensity. Starting from a modest 0 at 07:00, the index steadily climbs, reaching peak levels at 14:00 with a scorching 14. This midday surge is a vivid reminder of the sun's power, with 11 by noon and its highest intensity hitting 13 during the early afternoon. As the day progresses, the UV Index gracefully declines, sliding back to 6 at 17:00, before tapering off to 1 by 19:00. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours, especially from 11:00 to 15:00, when UV exposure can be at its most intense!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	0	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	2	low	45 min
10:00	4	moderate	30 min
11:00	8	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	14	extreme	10 min
15:00	13	extreme	10 min
16:00	10	very high	15 min
17:00	6	high	25 min
18:00	3	moderate	30 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Madrid

As UV levels fluctuate throughout the year, January and February start off with a very high UV Index of 9 and 10, respectively, allowing for 15 minutes of exposure before burns occur. From March to October, the UV Index peaks, reaching an extreme high of 14 in June and September. During these months, the burn time drastically decreases to just 10 minutes, presenting a significant risk for sun damage. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through October, with consistent extreme readings that warrant extra caution. As the year transitions into November and December, the UV Index drops back to 9 and 8, marking a shift to very high exposure with a return to 15-minute burn times. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak UV hours, especially from March to October, to mitigate the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Madrid, Mexico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Madrid. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Madrid, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Madrid UV Index with Other Mexico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Madrid compares to other major locations across Mexico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Madrid's solar exposure compared to other cities in Mexico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Madrid	9	10	13	13	13	14	13	13	14	12	9	8
Guadalajara UVI	9	11	14	14	14	13	13	13	13	12	9	8
Iztapalapa UVI	10	12	14	15	14	14	14	14	14	12	10	8
Ecatepec de Morelos UVI	10	12	14	15	15	14	14	13	14	12	10	8
Mexico City UVI	10	12	14	15	15	14	14	13	14	12	10	8
Puebla UVI	10	12	14	15	15	15	15	14	14	13	10	9