Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Nerja, Spain is crucial for anyone who wants to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean sun safely. With UV levels peaking at 10 between noon and 3 PM, awareness of these values can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Nerja's Csa climate boasts warm, sunny days that increase exposure to harmful UV rays, making it essential to monitor the index regularly. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and fully enjoy all the sunshine this stunning coastal town has to offer.
As the day progresses, the UV Index rises steadily, starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, but the real surge begins around 10:00 AM when it reaches 3. The peak UV intensity occurs between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, with a striking 10 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating a high potential for skin damage without protection. Fortunately, the index starts to decline slightly after 3:00 PM, dropping to 8 at 4:00 PM and gradually decreasing to 2 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay sun-smart during the midday hours when the UV rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 |
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 |
| Nerja | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |