Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Antigua, Spain, is essential for safeguarding your skin and health under the sun's powerful rays. As the UV Index peaks at a staggering 12 around midday, awareness of these levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. With Antigua's warm, dry climate typical of a BWh zone, the risks of high UV exposure are significant, especially during peak hours. Stay informed and enjoy the beautiful sunshine while protecting your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a compelling trend in sun exposure levels. Starting with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index rises steadily, reaching 2 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, it peaks dramatically at 12 by 14:00, indicating a significantly heightened risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. However, as the afternoon wanes, the UV levels gradually drop, falling to 5 by 17:00 and further declining to 1 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun protection, especially during peak hours between 11:00 and 15:00, when the index hits its highest values, urging us to take extra precautions.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |