Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tarifa, Spain, is crucial for ensuring your skin's health while enjoying the sun-soaked beaches and vibrant outdoor activities this charming coastal town has to offer. With UV levels peaking at a high of 10 during midday hours, it’s vital to stay informed about the potential risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Tarifa’s Mediterranean climate means plenty of sunshine year-round, making awareness of UV exposure even more essential. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and embrace the radiant beauty of this stunning destination safely.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals a striking pattern of increasing intensity. The morning starts off gently, with values of 0 at 07:00, gradually rising to a mild 1 by 08:00 and 09:00. However, the sun's rays intensify sharply, peaking at 10 between 14:00 and 15:00, making it crucial to protect your skin during these hours. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to taper off, dropping to 8 by 16:00, and settling to 4 by 18:00. The evening sees another decline, with a final count of 2 at 19:00. Remember, being aware of the UV Index is key to enjoying a safe and sun-smart day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
| Tarifa | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |