Last updated: May 3, 2025
Navigating the sun-soaked days of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, demands an awareness of the UV Index, a crucial tool in safeguarding your skin health. With UV levels peaking at a striking 12 during midday hours, understanding these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting against long-term skin damage. The city’s BWh climate offers ample sunshine, making it essential for both locals and visitors to monitor UV exposure throughout the day, especially between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM when the risk is highest. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely in this vibrant coastal paradise!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting the day at a cool 0 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 1, offering a hint of UV exposure. However, it's from 10:00 AM onwards that the intensity ramps up, peaking at a striking 12 at 2:00 PM. Nature lovers should be cautious during this time, as the index soars from 9 at midday to 11 by 1:00 PM, signaling a need for sunscreen and protective clothing. As the afternoon wanes, the UV levels decline—dropping to 6 by 5:00 PM and settling at 1 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during the midday hours when the sun's rays are most potent.
| 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 | 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, peaking during the warmer months. From January (UV Index 5) to February (UV Index 7), conditions gradually worsen, signaling the approach of higher UV exposure. The months of March through September present the highest risk, with UV Index values reaching 12 in May and June, categorizing these months as extreme. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during these high-risk months, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade especially during peak sun hours. As the year progresses into October (UV Index 9) and November (UV Index 7), UV levels begin to decline, allowing for safer outdoor activities in the cooler months of December and January (UV Index 5). Always stay informed and protect your skin from harmful UV radiation!
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 |
| Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |