Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors to Castellar de Santisteban, Spain, where the sunny Mediterranean climate brings gorgeous but potentially harmful rays. With UV levels frequently peaking at 10 during midday hours, awareness of these indices becomes essential for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself from excessive exposure during those high-risk periods, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience in this beautiful village.
As the day progresses, the UV Index rises steadily, starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, but the real surge begins around 10:00 AM when it reaches 3. The peak UV intensity occurs between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, with a striking 10 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating a high potential for skin damage without protection. Fortunately, the index starts to decline slightly after 3:00 PM, dropping to 8 at 4:00 PM and gradually decreasing to 2 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay sun-smart during the midday hours when the UV rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | 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, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring in the summer months of June and July, where the index reaches an extreme level of 12 and 11 respectively, necessitating only 10 minutes of exposure before risk of burns increases. Notably, April through September marks a period of very high to extreme UV levels, with May peaking at a UV Index of 10. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, particularly from March onwards, as the risk escalates rapidly; sunscreen application, protective clothing, and avoidance of direct sunlight during midday hours are strongly advised. Conversely, the winter months of December through February present a lower risk, with moderate UV levels, allowing for more extended outdoor activities with proper protection.
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 |
| Castellar de Santisteban | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |