Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Granada, Spain, where the sun's rays can be particularly harsh, especially during the peak hours of midday. With UV levels in the region often reaching a maximum of 11 during the summer months, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Granada’s Csa climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, presents unique challenges, making it vital to stay informed about UV exposure risks to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. Whether you’re exploring the stunning Alhambra or relaxing in the sun, keeping an eye on the UV Index helps safeguard your skin while enjoying this magnificent city.
The UV Index today reveals a notable peak in sun intensity, reaching its highest value of 11 at 2 PM and 3 PM. Starting off gently at 1 during the early hours of 7 AM and 8 AM, it gradually escalates, hitting 3 by 10 AM. As midday approaches, the index spikes to 8 at 12 PM, signaling increased sun exposure risks. With 10 at 1 PM, the sun's rays become more formidable, making 2 PM and 3 PM critical times for sun safety. As the afternoon wanes, a decline in UV levels is observed, dropping to 9 by 4 PM, and further decreasing to 4 by 6 PM before settling at 2 by 7 PM. Stay protected and plan your outdoor activities accordingly!
| 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 | 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, seasonal variations in the UV Index reveal significant changes in sun exposure risks. The months of May to August present the highest UV levels, categorized as extreme (11-12), with a rapid decrease in safe exposure time to just 10 minutes. April also poses a risk, with a very high index of 10 and a burn time of only 15 minutes. As such, visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours. Conversely, during the winter months of January, February, and December, the UV levels are classified as moderate (3-5), allowing for longer exposure times without immediate risk of burns. It's essential for everyone to adapt their sun protection strategies according to these seasonal changes to prioritize skin health year-round.
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 |
| Granada | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |