Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santaella, Spain, where the sun shines brightly in a Mediterranean climate. With UV levels peaking at a remarkable 11 during the midday hours, awareness of these levels is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Knowing when the UV Index is high allows you to take necessary precautions, helping to protect yourself from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure, particularly in a region where the sun is a prominent feature throughout much of the year. Stay informed and enjoy the outdoors safely in Santaella!
The UV Index dramatically rises throughout the day, starting from a gentle 1 in the early morning hours. By 10:00 AM, it escalates to a moderate 3, setting the stage for the sun's peak intensity. Climbing higher, the UV Index reaches a striking 8 by 12:00 PM, before soaring to its maximum of 11 at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to decline, recording 10 at 3:00 PM and tapering off to 7 by 5:00 PM. By the evening, the index drops to a safer 2 at 7:00 PM, reminding us of the importance of sun protection during midday hours when the sun is at its fiercest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 | 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 |
| Santaella | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |