Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Playa de Santiago, Spain is crucial for ensuring your skin’s health and safety while enjoying the sun-drenched beauty of this coastal paradise. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 12, it’s essential to be aware of how these readings affect your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Playa de Santiago boasts a delightful Mediterranean climate, but this means that residents and visitors alike must stay vigilant about UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index climbs to its highest. By monitoring the UV Index, you can engage in outdoor activities while protecting your skin from harm.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 0 at 07:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. By 08:00, it slowly climbs to 1, still within the minimal risk range. The intensity rises steadily throughout the morning, reaching 2 by 09:00 and hitting 3 at 10:00. As we approach noon, the UV levels surge, peaking at an impressive 12 between 14:00 and 15:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this peak, the index starts to drop, returning to 6 by 17:00 and gradually winding down to 2 by sunset at 19:00. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 15:00, to enjoy the outdoors safely!
| 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | 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 |
| Playa de Santiago | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |