Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin in Cantavieja, Spain, where the climate often features warm summers and mild winters. As UV levels can soar, particularly between 12 PM and 2 PM when they reach a peak of 11, awareness of these levels is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Knowing when the sun's rays are most intense not only helps you enjoy the outdoors safely but also safeguards your skin against potential damage. Given Cantavieja's Cfb climate, with its ample sunshine, being mindful of UV exposure can make all the difference in your outdoor activities. Stay informed and protect your skin!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off mild, peaking at 1 by 8:00 AM. However, things heat up quickly! By 10:00 AM, it surges to 4, reaching 6 at 11:00 AM. The afternoon sun really cranks it up, hitting a maximum of 11 at 2:00 PM, making this the moment when protective measures should be a priority. As we approach late afternoon, the index begins to drop, settling at 6 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 2 by 7:00 PM. Remember to stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. May through August are especially high-risk periods, featuring UV Index readings of 10 or above, categorizing them as very high to extreme. Notably, June and July stand out with a peak UV Index of 12, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure and a burn time of just 10 minutes. As a precaution, visitors and residents are advised to limit sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the peak UV hours. In contrast, January, February, November, and December present a moderate risk, with UV levels around 3 to 5 and longer burn times of 30 minutes, reminding us to remain vigilant for sun protection even in the cooler months.
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 |
| Cantavieja | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |