Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Retamar, Spain, where the sun shines brightly and the BSk climate brings both warmth and risks. The UV Index provides valuable insight into sun exposure levels throughout the day, helping you take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With peak UV levels often reaching high numbers—like an 11 at 2 PM—knowing the UV Index can make a significant difference in enjoying the beautiful Spanish sun responsibly. So, arm yourself with the knowledge to enjoy outdoor activities while keeping your skin safe from harmful rays!
The UV Index data for the day reveals a dynamic rise in solar intensity throughout the morning and afternoon. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs to 6 by 11:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the UV Index peaks at a striking 11 at 14:00, indicating an extreme level of exposure. By 15:00, it remains high at 10, gradually decreasing to 4 by 18:00 and settling at 2 by 19:00. It's clear that midday hours present the most significant risk for skin damage; therefore, sun protection is highly recommended between 12:00 and 15:00 when the UV Index is at its peak.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant variation throughout the year, with peak intensity occurring in the summer months. Between April and August, the index rises sharply, reaching an extreme level of 11 in both June and July, indicating a high-risk period for skin damage with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these months, employing protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. As the season shifts towards September and October, the UV Index gradually decreases to 7 and 5 respectively, allowing for longer exposure times of 25 to 30 minutes without significant risk. It’s essential to remain vigilant and adjust sun safety practices accordingly, particularly during the high-risk months from April through August.
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 |
| Retamar | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |