Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Alcaniz, Spain, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful solar radiation. With a climate classified as BSk, characterized by hot summers and moderate sunshine, awareness of varying UV levels throughout the day is essential. During peak hours, particularly between 12 PM and 2 PM, the UV Index can soar to 11, signifying a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being informed about UV levels, residents and visitors can take essential precautions to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable outdoor experience in this beautiful region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off mild, peaking at a gentle 1 by 8:00 AM. However, as the hours progress, the intensity ramps up significantly. By 10:00 AM, the index hits a moderate 4, escalating to a 6 by 11:00 AM. The sun reaches its zenith at 1:00 PM, where the UV Index soars to an intense 10, and even peaks at a blistering 11 by 2:00 PM. After this peak, the levels gradually decline, with 8 by 4:00 PM and slipping down to 2 as the sun sets at 7:00 PM. This hourly shift serves as a reminder to stay protected during the highest UV exposure times, especially between noon and early afternoon.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | 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 | 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 |
The UV Index experience varies significantly throughout the year, with notable seasonal changes influencing exposure risks. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate (3-4), requiring about 30 minutes for burn onset. However, as spring approaches in March (UV Index 6), the risk escalates to high, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The summer months, particularly June and July, present the highest risk, reaching an extreme level with a UV Index of 11, where skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. May and August follow closely with very high levels (9), while September and October see a return to high levels (8-6). As the year winds down, November and December drop to moderate and low categories, with burn times extending to 30-45 minutes. As such, visitors and residents should take extra precautions during high-risk months, particularly from March through September, by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
| Alcaniz | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| 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 |