Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Castropol, Spain, as it serves as a key indicator of the sun's intensity and its potential risks. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburns but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. With Castropol’s temperate oceanic climate, the sun can be deceptively strong, especially during midday when UV indexes peak at 9. This emphasizes the importance of checking the UV Index regularly to safeguard your skin and enjoy the beautiful outdoor landscapes safely.
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. In the early morning, from 07:00 to 09:00, the index remains low at just 1, perfect for a calm start. However, as the sun climbs higher, the intensity ramps up significantly; hitting 3 by 10:00 and skyrocketing to 7 by 12:00. The peak occurs at 14:00 and 15:00, where the UV Index reaches a soaring 9, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. Afternoon hours see a gradual decline, falling to 6 by 17:00 and down to 3 by 19:00. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes significantly affect sun exposure safety. From January to February, the UV Index gradually increases from a low of 2 to a moderate 4, allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes to 30 minutes, respectively. As spring progresses, March and April see the UV Index rise to high levels (6 and 7), shortening safe exposure time to 25 minutes. The summer months of May to August are particularly critical, with very high UV levels peaking at 10 in June and remaining above 8, requiring protective measures for just 15 minutes of sun exposure. In early September, the UV Index decreases to high levels again, providing a brief respite with longer burn time opportunities. As autumn settles in, the UV exposure becomes moderate in October and November, before returning to low in December, where burn times increase to 30 and 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take special precautions during the high-risk months of May, June, July, and August—including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize potential skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castropol | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |