Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Castaras, Spain, staying informed about the UV Index is vital for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index measures the strength of sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if not managed properly. With Castaras enjoying a Mediterranean climate, you can expect high UV exposure, particularly during peak sunlight hours, when readings soar to levels of 11 and 12 between midday and early afternoon. By understanding the UV levels, you can take proactive steps to minimize risks, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely while preserving your skin's health.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, with values peaking at 1 until 9:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the intensity increases dramatically, climbing to 4 by 10:00 AM and hitting a striking 7 around 11:00 AM. The real surge occurs at 12:00 PM, where the index reaches 9, peaking at 13:00 PM with a notable 11. The afternoon sees the UV Index remain high, peaking at 12 by 2:00 PM before gradually tapering off, falling to 10 by 4:00 PM and descending to 7 at 5:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the UV Index dwindles back down to 4 by 6:00 PM and concludes the day at a modest 2 by 7:00 PM. Be mindful of the sun's strength during peak hours, especially between noon and 2 PM!
| 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 | 7 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels and associated risks for sun exposure. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate (3-5), allowing for 30-minute burn times without immediate danger. However, a significant rise occurs in March through August, with very high (8-10) and extreme (11-12) levels reached, particularly in May through July, where burn times drop to just 10 minutes. September brings a slight decrease, returning to very high levels, while October and November see a moderation again, with burn times extending to 25-30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions, especially from March to August, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently during these high-risk months.
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 |
| Castaras | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |