Last updated: May 3, 2025
In La Carlota, Spain, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage, especially during the peak hours of exposure. This charming town, situated in a Mediterranean climate zone, experiences significant UV radiation, particularly between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, when the index can reach a high of 10. Staying informed about these levels allows residents and visitors to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing health risks associated with excessive UV exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady climb, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it reaches a 3, signaling that the day is heating up. The midday sun really makes its presence felt at noon, when the index peaks at an impressive 8, escalating to a 10 by 2:00 PM—the pinnacle of UV intensity. While the sun begins to dip, the index gradually declines, slipping back to 6 by 5:00 PM and settling to a much more manageable 2 by 7:00 PM. It's a vivid reminder of the day's evolving sunlight spectrum, encouraging everyone to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, with highest risks typically occurring from April to September. During these months, especially in June when the UV index reaches an extreme level of 11, the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during this period, taking necessary precautions such as applying sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. Conversely, during the winter months from January to March, the UV levels are substantially lower, categorized as moderate to high, allowing for safer outdoor activities with burn times ranging from 25 to 30 minutes. It’s crucial to remain aware of these seasonal changes to protect skin health throughout the year.
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 |
| La Carlota | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |