Last updated: July 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial in Benalmadena, Spain, where the sun shines brightly almost year-round. Understanding UV levels can significantly help in preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, especially during the peak hours of exposure. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, Benalmadena experiences elevated UV levels, particularly between 11 AM and 3 PM, reaching a maximum of 10—indicating a very high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and protect yourself to enjoy the beautiful sunshine safely!
The UV Index for the day presents a clear rise in intensity, peaking dramatically around midday. Starting from a minimal level of 0 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, reaching 1 by 08:00 and 09:00. As the clock strikes 10:00, it jumps to 3 and continues its ascent, hitting 5 by 11:00. The sun truly asserts its dominance by 12:00, as the index surges to a notable 7, and the peak is reached at 14:00, where it hits an impressive 10. This peak is sustained until 15:00, after which the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 9 at 16:00. As the day winds down, values decrease to 6 at 17:00, 4 at 18:00, and finally, 2 by 19:00. It’s a perfect reminder of the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains in the moderate range (3-5), suggesting a burn time of 30 minutes is generally safe. However, as spring arrives in March with a jump to high (7), visitors and residents should minimize direct sun exposure to about 25 minutes. The UV Index peaks during the summer months, reaching an extreme level (11) in June, which requires protective measures as burn time reduces to only 10 minutes. July and August remain critical with very high indices (10-9), while September sees sustained high levels as well. The risk declines in October with a high index (7) and further decreases towards the end of the year. It is advisable for everyone to plan outdoor activities strategically during the high-risk months (April through September), utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible to protect against harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Benalmadena | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |