Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Marbella, Spain, where the sun shines brightly almost year-round. With maximum UV levels peaking at 11 during the midday hours, awareness of these levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin's health. Marbella's Mediterranean climate offers beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, but it also carries elevated risks of UV exposure, especially during the summer months. Stay informed about the UV Index to enjoy the sun safely and make the most of your time in this stunning coastal paradise!
The UV Index data reveals a notable peak in solar intensity throughout the day. Starting at 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs as the sun rises, hitting 1 by 8:00 AM and reaching 2 at 9:00 AM. A more significant jump occurs at 10:00 AM, with the index hitting 3 and continuing to rise steeply. By 11:00 AM, it escalates to 6, then soars to 8 at 12:00 PM, reaching its maximum of 11 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The intensity begins to wane after 3:00 PM, descending to 9 by 4:00 PM and further dropping to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 11 AM and 2 PM, when UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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, 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 |