Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of La Orotava, Spain, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense due to its subtropical climate. Awareness of UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, especially during peak exposure hours when the index can soar to 12 around midday. With maximum readings typically occurring between 11 AM and 3 PM, it's essential to stay informed about UV risks to enjoy the beautiful weather safely, minimizing the chances of skin damage while soaking up the stunning surroundings of this picturesque town.
As the sun rises, the UV Index dramatically climbs throughout the morning, starting at a mere 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 1, but things really heat up at 10:00 AM when it reaches 3. The peak of the day arrives around 1:00 PM, when the index hits a sizzling 11, just before maxing out at 12 at 2:00 PM. Afterward, a steady decline ensues, with the index falling to 6 by 5:00 PM and dropping further to 2 by 7:00 PM. This data emphasizes the need for sun protection during those peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun is most intense!
| 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 | 3 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with the highest risks occurring from March through September. During this peak period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 12, particularly in April, May, June, and July, where the recommended burn time drops to as little as 10 minutes. February and October also show higher UV indices of 7 and 9, categorizing them as high and very high, respectively. Residents and visitors should take special precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday when the sun's rays are most intense. Conversely, January, November, and December present moderate UV levels, with longer burn times of 30 and 25 minutes, allowing for safer outdoor activities with reasonable sun protection.
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 |
| La Orotava | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |