Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Los Barrios, Spain, where the sun can be both a source of joy and a potential hazard. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers, awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and promoting skin health. During peak hours, particularly between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, the UV Index can soar as high as 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can enjoy the sunny days of Los Barrios while safeguarding your skin against harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day begins gently, with morning readings of 0 at 07:00 and barely rising to 1 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases, peaking at 10 between 14:00 and 15:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By 12:00, the index reaches 7, warning those outdoors to take precautions. The afternoon begins a gradual decline, with readings falling to 2 by 19:00. If you plan to be outside, remember to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |
| Los Barrios | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |