Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Gasteiz / Vitoria, Spain. With UV levels peaking at 10 during the midday hours, awareness becomes crucial to protect against sunburn and promote skin health. As you enjoy the region's pleasant Cfb climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, it's vital to recognize that even on cloudy days, UV radiation can pose risks. Stay informed about the UV Index to ensure safe and enjoyable outdoor activities while safeguarding your skin from harmful exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, peaking dramatically in the early afternoon. Starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, the UV levels gain momentum through the morning, reaching 3 by 10:00 AM. By noon, sun-seekers should take note as the index hits 8, indicative of increased sun exposure risk. The intensity peaks at 10 from 14:00 to 15:00, calling for precautionary measures such as sunscreen and protective clothing. As the day winds down, the UV Index starts to decline, falling to 4 by 18:00 and tapering off to 2 by evening. Stay proactive and 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | 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 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations, indicating the need for varying levels of sun protection. The highest risk months are from April to August, when the UV Index peaks at 11 in June, classified as extreme. During this time, burn times decrease dramatically, with only 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure being sufficient to cause skin damage. In contrast, the UV Index is at its lowest in January and December, categorized as low, allowing for safer outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to be especially cautious from March to August, using appropriate sun protection measures like sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing during these months to reduce the risk of UV damage.
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 |
| Gasteiz / Vitoria | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 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 |