Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Madrid, Mexico, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. With a climate characterized by abundant sunshine, Madrid sees UV Index levels soar, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, reaching a peak of 13—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these daily fluctuations, you can better protect yourself and enjoy everything this vibrant city has to offer.
As the sun rises and its rays strengthen, the UV Index begins to rise, starting at a modest 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 1, signaling a gentle exposure risk. The real intensity kicks in around 10:00 AM, where the index reaches 4, marking the start of more significant sun exposure. With the sun at its peak, the index surges to 10 by noon and peaks at an impressive 13 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Attention is crucial here, as this level indicates a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon rolls on, the UV Index gradually decreases, dropping to 9 by 4:00 PM and winding down to 1 by 7:00 PM, reminding us that while the sun's height brings its ultimate strength, it eventually gives way to the cooling shadows of evening.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
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.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |