Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Algar, Spain, where the sun shines brightly and the risk of harmful UV exposure can be significant. With levels peaking at 11 during midday hours, awareness of these UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Algar's Mediterranean climate features warm, dry summers, which can exacerbate UV radiation risks. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index, you can take informed steps to enjoy the sunshine safely and maintain your skin's well-being.
The UV Index data reveals a notable peak in solar intensity throughout the day. Starting at 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs as the sun rises, hitting 1 by 8:00 AM and reaching 2 at 9:00 AM. A more significant jump occurs at 10:00 AM, with the index hitting 3 and continuing to rise steeply. By 11:00 AM, it escalates to 6, then soars to 8 at 12:00 PM, reaching its maximum of 11 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The intensity begins to wane after 3:00 PM, descending to 9 by 4:00 PM and further dropping to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 11 AM and 2 PM, when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with January and December presenting the lowest levels (UV Index 3) and the summer months of June and July reaching peak levels (UV Index 11), categorized as extreme. April and May also have very high readings (UV Index 9-10), indicating a gradual increase in risk as spring progresses into summer. March, August, and September maintain a high risk for UV exposure (UV Index 7-9). Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions from March through October, especially during the extreme months of June and July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, as burn times decrease significantly to as little as 10 minutes during peak UV periods.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona UVI | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Zaragoza UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Valencia UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Madrid UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Algar | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |