Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Gáldar, Spain, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation, helping you gauge when you need to take protective measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Gáldar's semi-arid Mediterranean climate classified as BSk, the risk of high UV exposure peaks, especially around midday when levels can soar to a maximum of 12. By staying informed about these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery while safeguarding your skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, starting at a maximum of 0 at 7:00 AM. However, by 8:00 AM, it ticks up to 1, signaling the beginning of UV exposure. The intensity climbs steadily, hitting 4 by 10:00 AM and reaching 6 at 11:00 AM. The peak occurs at 1:00 PM, with a striking 11, shortly followed by the highest level of 12 at 2:00 PM—a time when sun protection is crucial! As afternoon turns to evening, the index gradually declines, falling to 6 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 3 at 6:00 PM, before settling at a gentle 2 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of seeking shade and wearing sunscreen during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels vary significantly, highlighting the importance of sun safety during certain months. The high-risk period spans from March to September, during which the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels—notably peaking at 12 in May and June. The burn time decreases sharply, particularly in April, where a mere 10 minutes of unprotected exposure can result in skin damage. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to take protective measures such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during these high-risk months. In contrast, January and December present a lower risk with moderate UV conditions, where a burn time of 30 minutes provides a buffer for skin protection. Stay informed, and enjoy the sun safely!
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 |
| Galdar | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |