Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Castelnou, Spain, is essential for protecting your skin and overall health under the radiant sun. With typical UV levels peaking at a harmful 11 during the midday hours, awareness of these figures is crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Castelnou's BSk climate brings a mix of hot summers and mild winters, which can lead to heightened UV exposure, especially from late spring to early fall. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while taking the necessary precautions against harmful UV rays.
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 |
| Castelnou | 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 |