Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for staying safe in La Victoria, Spain, where the Mediterranean climate brings ample sunshine and potential skin damage. With UV levels often peaking at 11 during the day, awareness of these conditions is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking in the sun, knowing the UV Index can help you take necessary precautions to protect yourself from harmful exposure. Make informed choices about your sun time, especially during peak hours when UV risks are at their highest!
The UV Index dramatically rises throughout the day, starting from a gentle 1 in the early morning hours. By 10:00 AM, it escalates to a moderate 3, setting the stage for the sun's peak intensity. Climbing higher, the UV Index reaches a striking 8 by 12:00 PM, before soaring to its maximum of 11 at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to decline, recording 10 at 3:00 PM and tapering off to 7 by 5:00 PM. By the evening, the index drops to a safer 2 at 7:00 PM, reminding us of the importance of sun protection during midday hours when the sun is at its fiercest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 |
| La Victoria | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |