Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Carataunas, Spain—an area characterized by a Mediterranean climate that brings intense sunlight, particularly during the summer months. Being aware of UV levels can help you protect your skin against harmful effects like sunburn and long-term skin damage. With peak UV Index readings reaching as high as 12 around midday, it's vital to take preventive measures. Knowing when to seek shade and applying sunscreen can safeguard your skin while you enjoy the beauty of Carataunas. Stay informed, stay safe, and let the sunshine inspire you!
As the sun rises, the UV Index slowly increases, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 2, but it’s not until 10:00 AM that we see a more noticeable surge to 4. The intensity peaks magnificently at 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 9, and then soars to its highest point of 12 at 2:00 PM. Just after, it stays strong at 11 until 3:00 PM before beginning to taper off. As the day winds down, the UV Index decreases to 4 by 6:00 PM before settling at 2 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours, particularly from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, when the sun's rays are most potent!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | 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, seasonal variations in the UV Index reveal significant changes in sun exposure risks. The months of May to August present the highest UV levels, categorized as extreme (11-12), with a rapid decrease in safe exposure time to just 10 minutes. April also poses a risk, with a very high index of 10 and a burn time of only 15 minutes. As such, visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours. Conversely, during the winter months of January, February, and December, the UV levels are classified as moderate (3-5), allowing for longer exposure times without immediate risk of burns. It's essential for everyone to adapt their sun protection strategies according to these seasonal changes to prioritize skin health year-round.
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 |
| Carataunas | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |