Last updated: June 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Gorafe, Spain, especially given the region's Csa climate, which brings plenty of sunshine and high levels of UV radiation. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for sunburn prevention but also for maintaining overall skin health. During peak sun hours, particularly between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, the UV Index can soar, reaching harmful levels of 11 to 12, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about these levels can help you enjoy the sunny outdoors while protecting your skin from potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at 1 at 07:00, gradually nudging up to 2 by 09:00. However, it’s not until 10:00 that we start feeling the real impact, hitting 4. The intensity escalates swiftly, peaking at an impressive 12 between 14:00 and 15:00, marking the day’s highest level of UV radiation. As the afternoon shifts to evening, the index declines, falling to 4 by 18:00 and settling at 2 by 19:00. With these fluctuations, it's essential to stay protected, especially during those midday hours when the UV rays are most potent!
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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
16:00 | 10 | 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, seasonal UV changes significantly impact sun exposure and skin safety. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from April to August, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11-12) in May and June, requiring only 10 minutes of burn time. Even in early spring, March begins to show a surge with a high UV Index of 7. As summer transitions into fall, there's a gradual decline, but September still maintains a very high level at 9, necessitating caution. Residents and visitors should take protective measures during these peak months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
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 |
Gorafe | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |