Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Marbella, Spain, understanding the UV Index is vital for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. The unique climate of Marbella, characterized by warm summers and plenty of sunshine, can expose residents and visitors to high UV levels, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at 11. Being aware of the UV Index helps you make informed decisions about sun safety, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces without compromising your skin's well-being. With values reaching up to 9 in the afternoon, protection against ultraviolet radiation is essential for staying safe under the Andalusian sun.
The UV Index data reveals a clear pattern of increasing sun intensity throughout the day, peaking at 11 at 2 PM. Starting from a 0 at 7 AM, the levels gradually rise, hitting 1 by 8 AM and remaining low until 10 AM, when it climbs to 3. The sun's strength continues to escalate, reaching 7 by noon and ultimately landing at a high of 9 by 1 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, settling at 10 by 3 PM and tapering off to 4 by 6 PM, before cooling down to 2 by 7 PM. This hourly UV Index trajectory highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours, especially between noon and 3 PM when the UV levels are at their most intense.
| 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 | 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 |
| Marbella | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |