Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Arenas, Spain, a region known for its beautiful Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers. With UV levels peaking at 11 during midday, awareness of these levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. As sun exposure becomes more intense throughout the day, especially between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, staying informed about UV radiation can help you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure. Whether you're lounging on the beach or hiking through scenic landscapes, knowing the UV Index can empower you to protect your skin effectively.
The UV Index reaches its peak intensity during the midday hours, starting at 8 by noon and soaring to a maximum of 11 at 2 PM, which indicates an extremely high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 6 by 5 PM and continuing to decline to 2 by 7 PM. Early risers enjoy a milder start with values of only 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM, perfect for a leisurely morning walk under gentle sun. However, as the sun ascends, it's crucial to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and seeking shade, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM, when the sun's rays are at their strongest. Enjoy the sun responsibly!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable variations, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 11 in June and July, categorizing these months as having extreme exposure levels with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the lowest risk months are January and December, where the UV Index remains at 3, indicating a moderate risk with a burn time of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during peak months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
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 |
| Arenas | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |