Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Zahara de los Atunes, Spain, where the sun shines brightly in a Csa climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Awareness of UV levels is crucial not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for safeguarding long-term skin health. With peak UV exposure reaching levels as high as 11 during the midday hours, it’s vital to take precautions, particularly in this picturesque coastal town known for its stunning beaches. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely and make the most of Zahara de los Atunes’ beautiful outdoor offerings.
The UV Index data reveals a notable peak in solar intensity throughout the day. Starting at 0 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs as the sun rises, hitting 1 by 8:00 AM and reaching 2 at 9:00 AM. A more significant jump occurs at 10:00 AM, with the index hitting 3 and continuing to rise steeply. By 11:00 AM, it escalates to 6, then soars to 8 at 12:00 PM, reaching its maximum of 11 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The intensity begins to wane after 3:00 PM, descending to 9 by 4:00 PM and further dropping to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 11 AM and 2 PM, when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
| Zahara de los Atunes | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |