Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Antigua, Spain is essential for safeguarding your skin from the sun's harmful rays. With peak UV levels soaring to 11 during the midday hours, awareness of these readings becomes crucial for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Antigua's BWh climate is characterized by warm, sunny days that can rapidly increase UV exposure. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful weather while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
In the early morning hours, the UV Index starts low, with a value of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the day progresses, the intensity of the sun increases, reaching 2 by 09:00 and peaking significantly at 11:00 with a striking 6. The afternoon sees the UV Index rise to its highest point at 14:00, hitting an impressive 11, a level that calls for effective sun protection. As 15:00 approaches, it slightly dips to 10, gradually decreasing to 8 by 16:00. The late afternoon into the evening sees a continued decline, with values dwindling to 3 at 18:00 and falling back to 1 by 19:00. It's essential to stay aware and protective during peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months are primarily from March through October, where the UV Index consistently reaches very high to extreme levels, peaking at 12 in May. During these months, the burn time reduces drastically to 10-15 minutes, highlighting the need for increased sun protection. Residents and visitors should prioritize wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, particularly in the summer months of April to August. Conversely, from November to February, the UV levels drop to moderate and high categories, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 25-30 minutes. However, it remains essential to remain vigilant about sun protection, particularly during transitions out of winter as UV strength begins to rise.
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 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Antigua | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |