Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Belmez, Spain, where the climate can lead to significant sun exposure risks. The UV Index reveals the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at any given time, serving as a vital tool for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. With Belmez enjoying a typical Mediterranean climate characterized by long, hot summers, it’s essential to be mindful of daily UV levels, especially during peak hours when the index can soar as high as 11, indicating severe risk. Keeping an eye on the UV Index helps you enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely while shielding your skin from potential harm.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM and maintaining that level until 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 3, signaling the need for light protection. However, from 11:00 AM onward, the intensity ramps up significantly, peaking at an intense 11 by 2:00 PM. This hour marks the highest point of the day, urging everyone to take extra precautions against harmful UV rays. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines, settling to a comfortable 4 by 6:00 PM and diminishing to a final 2 by 7:00 PM. Be mindful of the sun's power during peak hours to ensure a safe and enjoyable day outdoors!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure significantly fluctuates, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August, where the UV Index reaches levels classified as very high to extreme. Notably, June is the peak month with an extreme UV Index of 12, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring turns to summer, individuals should take extra precautions; wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours is highly advisable. Conversely, during the winter months of January and December, the UV Index drops to 3, categorized as moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes without significant risk. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant in high-index months, especially from March to September, to protect their skin health while enjoying outdoor activities.
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 |
| Belmez | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |