Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Padul, Spain, where the Mediterranean climate can bring about significant sun exposure. The UV levels throughout the day can fluctuate dramatically, peaking at a high of 12 around midday, which poses a considerable risk for sunburn and long-term skin health. By staying informed about these levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin, ensuring safe outdoor activities while enjoying the beautiful weather Padul has to offer. With its sunny days and warm temperatures, being aware of UV exposure can make all the difference in safeguarding your health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index slowly increases, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it climbs to 2, but it’s not until 10:00 AM that we see a more noticeable surge to 4. The intensity peaks magnificently at 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 9, and then soars to its highest point of 12 at 2:00 PM. Just after, it stays strong at 11 until 3:00 PM before beginning to taper off. As the day winds down, the UV Index decreases to 4 by 6:00 PM before settling at 2 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours, particularly from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, when the sun's rays are most potent!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | 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, seasonal variations in the UV Index reveal significant changes in sun exposure risks. The months of May to August present the highest UV levels, categorized as extreme (11-12), with a rapid decrease in safe exposure time to just 10 minutes. April also poses a risk, with a very high index of 10 and a burn time of only 15 minutes. As such, visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours. Conversely, during the winter months of January, February, and December, the UV levels are classified as moderate (3-5), allowing for longer exposure times without immediate risk of burns. It's essential for everyone to adapt their sun protection strategies according to these seasonal changes to prioritize skin health year-round.
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 |
| Padul | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |