Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the sun-kissed village of Competa, Spain, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels soaring to 11 during midday, awareness of these readings can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The warm Mediterranean climate, typified by hot summers and abundant sunshine, amplifies the risks associated with UV exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun responsibly, ensuring your outdoor activities remain both safe and enjoyable.
The UV Index reaches its peak intensity during the midday hours, starting at 8 by noon and soaring to a maximum of 11 at 2 PM, which indicates an extremely high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 6 by 5 PM and continuing to decline to 2 by 7 PM. Early risers enjoy a milder start with values of only 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM, perfect for a leisurely morning walk under gentle sun. However, as the sun ascends, it's crucial to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and seeking shade, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM, when the sun's rays are at their strongest. Enjoy the sun responsibly!
| 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 | 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 | 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, 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 |
| Competa | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |