Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Estepona, Spain, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels is not just about avoiding sunburn; it plays a significant role in safeguarding your long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With Estepona's Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and abundant sunshine, the risk of high UV exposure is particularly pronounced, especially during peak hours when the UV Index reaches its highest levels. Stay informed and make sun safety a priority to enjoy the beautiful sun-drenched days that Estepona has to offer!
The UV Index data reveals a clear pattern of increasing sun intensity throughout the day, peaking at 11 at 2 PM. Starting from a 0 at 7 AM, the levels gradually rise, hitting 1 by 8 AM and remaining low until 10 AM, when it climbs to 3. The sun's strength continues to escalate, reaching 7 by noon and ultimately landing at a high of 9 by 1 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, settling at 10 by 3 PM and tapering off to 4 by 6 PM, before cooling down to 2 by 7 PM. This hourly UV Index trajectory highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours, especially between noon and 3 PM when the UV levels are at their most intense.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 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 |
| Estepona | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |