Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Costa Calma, Spain, is crucial for the health and well-being of residents and visitors alike. With its predominantly sunny BWh climate, Costa Calma often sees elevated UV levels, particularly during midday hours. Being aware of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and overall skin health, as excessive exposure can lead to serious long-term issues. As you bask in the beautiful surroundings, keep an eye on the UV Index—from a moderate level of 4 in the late morning to a peak of 11 in the early afternoon, knowledge is your best defense against harmful rays. Enjoy the sun responsibly!
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity. Starting at a cool 0 at 7 AM, it gently rises to 1 by 8 AM. The morning warms up, peaking at 4 by 10 AM, and reaches 6 by 11 AM, signaling a brighter day ahead. As noon approaches, the UV Index soars to a scorching 9 and hits its zenith at 11 by 2 PM. The early afternoon is when sun-seekers need to be cautious, as it maintains a high 10 until 3 PM. The intensity starts to ease post-3 PM, dropping to 8 at 4 PM, to 6 by 5 PM, and finally settling down to a more manageable 3 at 6 PM, before tapering off to 1 by 7 PM. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine, but don't forget the sunscreen during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | 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 | 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 |