Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Antigua, Spain, where the Mediterranean climate can lead to intense sun exposure, particularly during the summer months. With UV levels reaching as high as 11 during midday, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks of sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By keeping an eye on these levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and enjoy the sunny paradise that Antigua offers. Remember, the sun’s rays can be deceptively strong, so knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is key to staying healthy under the beautiful Andalusian sun.
The UV Index today showcased a dramatic rise as the sun reached its zenith. Starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index gradually increased to 2 by 09:00. The most significant surge occurred between 10:00 and 13:00, peaking at an intense 11 by 13:00, characterized by the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progressed, a slight decline ensued, with readings falling to 10 by 15:00 and continuing to decrease to 3 by 18:00 before settling back at 1 by 19:00. With maximum UV exposure occurring during midday, it's essential to take precautions 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 | 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 | 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 |