Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Esteban de Litera (Sant Esteve de Llitera), as it plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. With the region’s Cfb climate, which often features sunny days and clear skies, awareness of UV levels can help individuals make informed decisions about sun protection. During peak hours, particularly between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to as high as 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful days in this charming part of Spain while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic sun exposure pattern throughout the day. Starting with a low index of 1 in the early hours (07:00 and 08:00), sun sensitivity increases as the day progresses. By 09:00, the index rises to 2, marking the beginning of heightened UV intensity. The peak occurs between 12:00 and 14:00, where it hits a high of 10, indicating a strong need for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the levels gradually decline, sliding to 8 at 16:00 and further down to 3 by 18:00. By 19:00, the exposure reduces to 2, suggesting a safe transition as daylight fades. Remember, when the UV Index is 6 or higher, it’s essential to take protective measures!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, with significant increases observed from April through August. The highest UV Index occurs in June (11), indicating an extreme exposure risk, while April (8) and May (9) also fall under very high exposure categories. The months of April to August are identified as high-risk periods, with burn times dropping to as low as 10 minutes during peak summer. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these months by wearing sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses, and to seek shade whenever possible, particularly during midday hours when the sun's rays are the strongest. The UV risk diminishes significantly in late fall and winter, allowing for safer outdoor activities during those times.
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 |
| San Esteban de Litera (Sant Esteve de Llitera) | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 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 |