Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Tarifa, Spain, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels enables residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures, especially during the peak hours when exposure is at its highest. With its Mediterranean climate and ample sunshine, Tarifa presents unique challenges when it comes to UV exposure, particularly around midday when the UV Index can soar to levels of 10 or higher. By keeping an eye on the UV Index throughout the day, you can enjoy this beautiful coastal town while protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
From the early morning hours, the UV Index begins to rise, starting at 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 1, signaling the sun's gentle presence. As the day progresses, the intensity increases, hitting 2 by 9:00 AM and reaching high levels of 3 at 10:00 AM. The UV Index spikes dramatically during midday, peaking at a powerful 11 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM—a critical time for sun exposure. The intensity gradually declines to 9 by 4:00 PM, and continues to drop, settling at 4 by 6:00 PM before easing to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data serves as a reminder of the sun's strength throughout the day, urging everyone to take precautions, especially during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | 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 |
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 |