Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Palma del Río, Spain, as it plays a vital role in promoting sunburn prevention and overall skin health. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers, the UV levels can reach their peak, especially from late morning to early afternoon. For instance, during these hours, the UV Index can soar to a staggering 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take necessary precautions to protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful sunny days that Palma del Río has to offer without compromising your health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady climb, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it reaches a 3, signaling that the day is heating up. The midday sun really makes its presence felt at noon, when the index peaks at an impressive 8, escalating to a 10 by 2:00 PM—the pinnacle of UV intensity. While the sun begins to dip, the index gradually declines, slipping back to 6 by 5:00 PM and settling to a much more manageable 2 by 7:00 PM. It's a vivid reminder of the day's evolving sunlight spectrum, encouraging everyone to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 |
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 |
| Palma del Rio | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |