Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of El Gastor, Spain, where sunny days abound in a Mediterranean climate. As UV levels can soar to a high of 11 during peak hours, being informed about the UV Index helps you prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With afternoon sun intensity reaching its peak between 12:00 and 15:00, it's essential to be aware of the risks associated with high UV exposure. Staying sun-safe not only enhances your outdoor experience but also safeguards against long-term skin damage in this picturesque Andalusian town.
The UV Index data reveals a notable peak in solar intensity throughout the day. Starting at 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs as the sun rises, hitting 1 by 8:00 AM and reaching 2 at 9:00 AM. A more significant jump occurs at 10:00 AM, with the index hitting 3 and continuing to rise steeply. By 11:00 AM, it escalates to 6, then soars to 8 at 12:00 PM, reaching its maximum of 11 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The intensity begins to wane after 3:00 PM, descending to 9 by 4:00 PM and further dropping to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 11 AM and 2 PM, when UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with January and December presenting the lowest levels (UV Index 3) and the summer months of June and July reaching peak levels (UV Index 11), categorized as extreme. April and May also have very high readings (UV Index 9-10), indicating a gradual increase in risk as spring progresses into summer. March, August, and September maintain a high risk for UV exposure (UV Index 7-9). Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions from March through October, especially during the extreme months of June and July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, as burn times decrease significantly to as little as 10 minutes during peak UV periods.
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 Gastor | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |