Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Arrecife, Spain, especially given the region's BWh climate, characterized by warm temperatures and abundant sunshine. High UV levels can lead to sunburns and long-term skin health issues, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV risks. The UV Index in Arrecife peaks significantly during the midday hours, with values soaring to 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being aware of these levels, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin and enjoy the sun safely.
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 |
As the year progresses, UV exposure varies significantly, with notable increases during the spring and summer months. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through October, peaking in May and June when the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 12, allowing for a burn time of only 10 minutes. Conversely, from January to February and November to December, the UV levels are moderate to high, offering longer burn times of 25 to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, especially between March and September, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin 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 |
| 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 |
| Arrecife | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |