Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Zahara, Spain, especially given its Mediterranean climate characterized by long, sunny summers. The UV Index provides a valuable tool for assessing sun exposure risks, helping to prevent painful sunburns and protect overall skin health. During peak hours, the UV levels in Zahara can soar to dangerous heights, reaching levels of 11 around midday—far exceeding the threshold for safe exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy Zahara's beautiful beaches and landscapes while safeguarding your well-being.
The UV Index in this hourly data showcases a significant peak around midday, illustrating the sun's intensity. Starting from a safe 0 at 07:00, the index gradually rises to 1 by 08:00 and remains moderate at 1 until 10:00. As the day progresses, the levels increase dramatically, reaching a striking 7 at noon, and hitting the maximum point of 11 between 14:00 and 15:00. Post-peak, the index begins to decline, tapering off to 4 by 18:00 and finally settling at 2 as the sun sets at 19:00. It's essential to stay protected from the intense rays during the peak hours, especially between 12:00 and 15:00!
| 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 | 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 significant seasonal changes, with January and December presenting the lowest levels (UV Index 3) and the summer months of June and July reaching peak levels (UV Index 11), categorized as extreme. April and May also have very high readings (UV Index 9-10), indicating a gradual increase in risk as spring progresses into summer. March, August, and September maintain a high risk for UV exposure (UV Index 7-9). Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions from March through October, especially during the extreme months of June and July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, as burn times decrease significantly to as little as 10 minutes during peak UV periods.
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 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |