Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of El Castillo de las Guardas, Spain, where the Mediterranean climate fosters beautiful, sunny days but also presents significant risks for skin health. With peak UV levels soaring as high as 10 during midday hours, awareness of these levels is essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about UV exposure, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the sun safely in this picturesque location. Remember, the sun's rays can be intense here, making it vital to monitor the UV Index and take appropriate precautions.
The UV Index for the day presents a clear rise in intensity, peaking dramatically around midday. Starting from a minimal level of 0 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, reaching 1 by 08:00 and 09:00. As the clock strikes 10:00, it jumps to 3 and continues its ascent, hitting 5 by 11:00. The sun truly asserts its dominance by 12:00, as the index surges to a notable 7, and the peak is reached at 14:00, where it hits an impressive 10. This peak is sustained until 15:00, after which the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 9 at 16:00. As the day winds down, values decrease to 6 at 17:00, 4 at 18:00, and finally, 2 by 19:00. It’s a perfect reminder of the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, with highest risks typically occurring from April to September. During these months, especially in June when the UV index reaches an extreme level of 11, the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during this period, taking necessary precautions such as applying sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. Conversely, during the winter months from January to March, the UV levels are substantially lower, categorized as moderate to high, allowing for safer outdoor activities with burn times ranging from 25 to 30 minutes. It’s crucial to remain aware of these seasonal changes to protect skin health throughout the year.
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 |
| El Castillo de las Guardas | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |