Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Alforque, Spain, where the sun's rays can pose significant risks to skin health. With soaring UV levels peaking at 10 during the midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin care. Nestled in a BSk climate zone, Alforque typically experiences sunny days that amplify the potential for UV overexposure, making it vital for everyone to stay informed about daily UV levels and take proactive measures to protect their skin.
The UV Index today shows a striking rise in intensity as the morning unfolds. Starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually increases to 2 by 9:00 AM. The sunshine peaks dramatically at 10:00 AM, reaching a robust 4, before soaring to its highest point of 10 at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon sun begins its descent, the index slightly dips but remains notable at 9 until 3:00 PM. The day transitions into the evening with values gently falling to 3 by 6:00 PM. With this data, it's clear that protecting your skin during the midday hours—especially between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM—is essential for safety in the sun.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | 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 |
| Alforque | 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 |