Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the picturesque town of Carratraca, Spain, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its Mediterranean climate, the region experiences intense sun exposure, especially during peak hours, where UV levels can soar as high as 11. Awareness of these levels helps residents and visitors alike take proactive measures to protect themselves against harmful ultraviolet rays. As sunny days beckon, keeping an eye on the UV Index is essential to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin.
Starting the day at a low UV Index of 0 at 7:00 AM, the sun slowly awakens, with levels gradually rising to 1 by 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, the intensity of UV rays begins to increase significantly, reaching 3, and by 11:00 AM it escalates to 5. The peak arrives between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, where the UV Index soars to an impressive 11, indicating a substantial risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this zenith, levels start to decline, dropping to 9 by 4:00 PM and tapering off to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection, especially during the midday hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
| 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 | 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 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 |
| Carratraca | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |