Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Costa Calma, Spain, is crucial for anyone enjoying this sun-drenched paradise. With its BWh climate, Costa Calma offers beautiful weather but also poses risks of high UV exposure, especially during midday when readings can soar to an intense 12. By being aware of the UV levels, you can effectively safeguard against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Stay informed about the changing UV Index throughout the day—peaking between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM—to protect your skin and enjoy everything this stunning locale has to offer!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, peaking from a modest 1 at 07:00 to a more intense 9 by noon. The hour of 13:00 marks the pinnacle of the day with a striking 11, signaling the need for sun protection as rays become particularly fierce. By 14:00, it reaches its maximum of 12, before gradually tapering off throughout the afternoon. As the day winds down, the index drops back to 3 by 18:00, and finally settles at a safe 1 by evening. This highlights the importance of being sun smart, especially during the midday hours when the UV intensity is highest!
| 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 | 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, with the highest risk months occurring from March to August. During this period, the index peaks at 12 in May and June, indicating an extreme exposure category, where a burn time may be as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise extra caution during these months, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. The risk notably decreases in the winter months, with January and December recording a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches, individuals should remain vigilant, particularly in March and April, where the index jumps to 9 and 11 respectively. Stay informed and protect your skin year-round!
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 |
| Costa Calma | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |