Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of El Ejido, Spain, particularly given the region's Mediterranean climate that often leads to high sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 10 during the midday hours, awareness of these figures becomes essential for prevention of sunburn and the long-term health of your skin. El Ejido’s sunny days can invite danger for the unprepared; knowing the UV index helps you make informed choices about sun protection and enjoy the great outdoors safely. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can still pose risks, so keeping an eye on the index is key to safeguarding your skin throughout the year.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a clear pattern, rising steadily as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a low level of 1 at 7:00 AM, it remains gentle until 9:00 AM, when it reaches 2. From 10:00 AM, the intensity escalates to 3, but by 11:00 AM, it surges to 6. The peak arrives during noon, hitting an intense 8 and then reaches its maximum of 10 between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, it begins to taper off, dropping back to 8 by 4:00 PM and gradually declining to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 3 | 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 |
| El Ejido | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |